[Dixielandjazz] Condon Style

[Steve Barbone]

Chuckle, Chuckle. I think I expressed it poorly, or perhaps you took it out
of context from the post it answered.

What I meant was there is no need for a band to duplicate Condon's Band, or
to play exactly like it, or to copy it. I am of the "That's musical
necrophilia." school. The way it was at a moment in time past, not the way
it is now.

I agree with your take entirely having been there many times to see/hear
Condon at his joint on 3rd Street. He was one of the BEST RHYTHM GUITARISTS
I have ever heard. And everyone who ever played music with him agrees, I
think.

In that same original context, there is no need to "duplicate" Pee Wee
Russell either, (or Louis) as if any one could. But there is a great need to
understand his genius, as well as Condon's. And to use the knowledge gained
in order to develop one's own voice.

Sorry for the poor expression of my opinion.

Cheers,
Steve Barbone

on 9/26/06 7:31 PM, Bill Haesler at bhaesler at bigpond.net.au wrote:

>> Don't need to duplicate Condon.<
> 
> Dear Steve,
> WHAT?
> Did you mean what I think you meant?
> That Eddie Condon, as a musician, is not worth listening to?
> Surely not?
> Or were you just teasing us to see who jumped the highest?
> Over the years, the myth of Condon's inadequate or nearly silent musical
> contribution to his records has built up and is still parroted by
> cloth-eared, ill-informed critics and some one-eyed mouldy old record
> collectors, because he rarely soloed. (Like Freddy Green.)
> Musicians I have spoken to including Wild Bill, Bud Freeman, Kenny Davern
> and Jack Lesberg, all attested to Condon's ability as an accurate,
> listening, swinging guitar player. Always a delight to have behind you
> musically.
> He could be heard by all on stage and to those who listened carefully to the
> overall sound of his live groups. Which is really what matters with our
> music.
> He also cuts through on most of the Columbia recordings, if one listens for
> him.
> Eddie Condon, the respected organiser and wise-cracking front man was also a
> fine and respected musician.
> Unfortunately, we may never see his like again.
> Kind regards,
> Bill. 
> PS: You wouldn't suggest that there is no need to duplicate the great Pee
> Wee Russell. 
> Would you?