[Dixielandjazz] Timing the band's songs.

[LRG4003 at aol.com]

As Steve points out the circumstances drive performance length, yes,  talking 
music here.  I would never have been able to guess our average song  length, 
but this year our group recorded sets on two occasions.  
 
First time tunes clocked in at just over 4 minutes average with a quick  3:01 
on "Darktown Strutter's" and the slowest, a version of "Birth of  the Blues" 
in at 5:21.  This was in more of a concert and dance  setting.
 
Second recordings of 4 sets at New Orleans style club averaged 4 minutes  for 
the first two sets, 4 1/2 minutes for the final two (when the crowd tends to  
thin out and we either try a few new things or stretch out more on some  
numbers---it's a restaurant so the late night drinking crowd becomes a little  
sparse.) 
A short "China Boy" at 2:24 and a long "Ain't Misbehavin" at 6:02.
 
But in addition to venue the group configuration----which changes  
periodically with us---dictates length.  Once in awhile we have exceptional  trumpet 
player who pops over from St. Louis and we often encourage him to take  at least 
two choruses on some solos.  Ditto when a great trombone friend is  able to 
come up from Dallas.
 
In the club venue we roughly play four 45 minute sets and performing around  
33 numbers so we end up averaging about 5 1/2 minutes per number with banter,  
announcements, etc. a little shorter than Steve--but he probably has  better 
banter than us :)
 
Never recorded "The Minute Waltz" but I'd be curious.....
 
K.C. Clarinet
 
 



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