[Dixielandjazz] Individuality With Solos

[Robert S. Ringwald]

Larry Walton wrote:

 >A friend of mine who was the principal clarinet player with the St. Louis
> Symphony had a band that played a lot of Goodman stuff.  The solos were
> all transcriptions and the musicians were wonderful.  They played the
> tunes exactly like the originals.  I thought it was great as a listener
> but I never stood in line to be in that band.
>
> I speak for myself.  I haven't heard anyone improve on the Miller solos
> and I prefer them well played to the musings of other people.  Have I
> played jazz through the solos.  Yes but when I am the listener I prefer
> the Miller solos.  Do I improve on them?  No not any more than I could
> improve on Mozart.
(snip)

 Larry,

I understand that you like to hear certain solos played as written,
especially when they are the classics.  I agree.

This brings up something to ponder.

We only hear the classic solos and actually, let's include the classic
arrangements, on recordings.  No matter how good a recording is, or the
playback system is, it still is not the same as hearing it live.

Thus, I thrill when I hear certain classic arrangements and solos played
live.  Needless to say, when they are done well.

On this list, I must qualify this statement so no one misunderstands what I
am saying.

 I don't mean this for all old arrangements nor for all old solos.  Just
certain ones.

For instance, I love to hear the opening cadenza on West End Blues.  Why
should I only hear it on a recording?  I personally can't see playing that
tune without the cadenza.  Without it, it is not West End Blues.

Same thing for the ending on Goodman's Avalon.


By the same token, I love the GRP's take on "Sing Sing Sing," which is
certainly not a recreation.  I wonder if you have heard it?  On the same
recording is a version of Cherokee with 5-trumpets, including Arturo 
Sandoval, trading chorus's, 8s and 4s, which is
not to be believed.

Best,

--Bob Ringwald
Fulton Street Jazz Band
See our new CD at www.ringwald.com/recordings.htm