[Dixielandjazz] Songs which do not have lyrics?

[Fred Hoeptner]

While I agree with the ideas presented, isn't this a perfect example of an
oxymoron?  My dictionary says that a song "is a short musical composition of
words and music," or "a melody for a lyric poem or ballad."  Of course,
there is a well-known classical piece entitled "Song Without Words."   Oh,
well.

 ----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Mike" <mike at railroadstjazzwest.com>
To: "Larry Walton" <larrys.bands at charter.net>
Cc: "Dixieland Jazz Mailing List" <dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com>
Sent: Monday, April 09, 2007 2:00 AM
Subject: Re: [Dixielandjazz] remembering the lyrics


Your words are very true, especially in songs which do not have
lyrics. For me lyrics are a starting point and that was what I
was trying to express. There are many ways to approach a tune
and not any one thing works for everyone. You have to figure out
what works for you and go for it. Knowing lyrics obviously do
hold some merit as the following story will help illustrate:

"On a lesson with Ellis Marsalis I had prepared the Errol Garner
tune "Misty". As we sat down and I began to play Ellis stopped
me and simply smiled and said, "Have you ever heard the words to
this?" I said "no" and Ellis immediately told me then come back
when you do. Once I learned the lyrics the tune was much easier
to play and appreciate."

Mike