[Dixielandjazz] Trombone Players - we don't no respect

[Criss719 at wmconnect.com]

After reading the last few posts about trombone players, I was thinking back 
to when I was playing so often. 

I always felt like I was just a sideman. Seldom did anyone tell me what key 
they were going to play in, they just kicked it off and I had to find the key. 
After a while, I knew what keys every song was played in and if I didn't I was 
pretty good at finding the key. 
Never was I asked what would be a good song to play, although some in the 
crowd would ask to hear Marie, I'm getting sentimental over you or Stardust. 

I can't speak for anyplace else but here, but groups here will form up with a 
sax, piano, drums and maybe a keyboard and claim to be a Dixieland Band. I 
ask about what their trumpet, trombone and clarinet and was told that they 
didn't need them because they were side instruments that they could do without. 
Besides the gig didn't pay enough to hire more people - like they really needed 
the money.
To top things off, they were not entertaining. 
For the most part, they were expressionless faces, playing from a chart with 
no spirit or enthusiasm. It was just watch the clock, get their $40.00 and go 
home.

But to be fair about it, people don't come to the beach to hear Dixieland 
bands. They come to enjoy the beach.
 
I would hope that it's a totally different situation in say NO, Memphis or KC.

Criss