[Dixielandjazz] Swing Dancers & Young Audiences

[Steve Barbone]

on 10/23/06 4:44 PM, Cees van den Heuvel at heu at bart.nl wrote:

> Yesterday I did a concert with a Belgian New Orleans Jazz Band.
> Although I'm more into Chicago, I can push the button, go for
> the basics and have fun. Just forget your technical abilities, stay
> away from sophisticated licks and go for the heart of the music.
> Nothing wrong with that, but it still feels like driving a Ferrari
> at the maximum of 60 mph. Gives you the opportunity to see
> the sights though. Now my point: the audience. 50% was
> under 25 and they loved it! Did'nt know the music, would
> never buy a jazz record. But hearing it live: flabbergasted!
> Just plain music, no electronics,  but sweat, hard work, improvisation,
> joy, etc. They were overwhelmed and assured me they would visit
> every concert from now on. So: there's a future for jazz!
> Just give it all you've got, don't sell out to gimmicks and play
> your heart out. Purity will always survive. If it does'nt, well......
> 
> Cees van den Heuvel
> http://www.revivaljassband.nl

Yes indeed Cees, let's all play where the kids are.

Cheers,
Steve