[Dixielandjazz] Individuality With Solos

[Jim Kashishian]

To add to the "solos" thread, we all know & recognize the fact that some
solos have become part of a song today.  High Society, Mood Indigo, In the
Mood all quickly come to mind as songs that now have a solo practically
written into the song.  No big deal.  If your band includes the necessary
instrument/s, then no harm in adding those solos...note for note, or
embellished.  I can't see what the problem is with that.

And, being able to copy someone's solo falls under the heading of really
appreciating another player's talent, and having listened enough to a
particular recording until that solo becomes embedded in one's mind.  To
this day, some 50 yrs after buying the LP, I still play the Duke's Of
Dixieland version of "Blue Prelude", almost a note by note copy of Freddie's
solo balad.  I can also play his solo from "Way Down Yonder In N.O" note for
note. I feel that is in some way in honor of what I learned from that band
in my early days.  Does that show lack of style on my part?  Is it not my
perogative to decide how I wish to play that tune?  Why should anyone else
care?  

And, how many trombonists play a note for note copy of Tommy Dorsey's "I'm
Getting Sentimental Over You"?  John Allred does on his latest album. It
might be construed as saying "I can play it also", but I prefer to believe
that it is a tribute to great ones who have gone before when one picks a
tune like that.

We don't have a clarinet in our group now, only having trumpet & trombone in
the front line.  Many of the traditional reed passages on songs are handled
by our very apt pianist, thereby attaining a nod to the past, but with a
different flavor.  It maintains the original feel of the song, and then
after that...you can have your say on the solos.  (I'm referring to things
like the breaks in Tiger Rag, Fidgety Feet, etc.)

Also, we do a lot of trad tunes, plus a lot of later tunes (show tunes,
etc.).  We tend to choose our songs by what we enjoy playing, not worrying
too much about what style they fall into.  Of course, we've got an audience
(in Spain) with no understanding of the various "boxes" that the various
styles can get placed into.  Therefore, they just enjoy the music & our
enthusiasm, and don't sweat the small stuff.  It is a very fortunate
position to be in.

Jim