[Dixielandjazz] simple music

[Don Robertson]

I agree with Larry.  A few years ago, I was involved with what we called 
"old timey" or "fiddle tunes".  It was closely associated with, but not 
the same as bluegrass.  This was what was played on Grand Ol Opery.  It 
was more like what was played in homes for amusement.  Bluegrass became 
more of an exhibition style similar to okom with a succession of solos, 
where the old timey was more ensemble or many people playing simple 
tunes in unison or with harmonies on fiddles, mandolins, banjos and 
guitars.  This didn't require as much musical ability, although 
individual fiddlers were very proficient and there were many fiddle 
contests.  I've been in both kinds of jam session on guitar and fiddle.  
With the old timey format you get to play a lot and quickly learn the 
tune.  With bluegrass you spend most of the time waiting for your turn 
to play.  All of this is done in sharp keys.

This was in the early days of the 30's and 40's where now "country and 
western" is nothing but thinly disguised rock. It's even called 
"Southern Rock".  Early "western" music was epitomized by Bob Wills, 
with steel guitars and some mandolin and fiddle.  Some of it was very 
close to jazz. and became known as "western swing".

Don Robertson
Napa, CA

Larry Walton Entertainment - St. Louis wrote:
> Actually at one time there were two distinct types.  There was Country music 
> and there was Western music.  Western music were tunes like Back in the 
> Saddle Again,  Pistol Packin Momma, Don't Fence Me In, etc.  I was young but 
> my parents listened to Grand Old Opry that featured what was more accurately 
> described as Hill Billy music.
>
> Sometime, or at least I think it was, in the late 50's there became what we 
> call Country and Western when early rock as done by Elvis and other early 
> performers started to morph into more modern styles of rock like Doo Wop, 
> Beach Boys etc.
>
> This is all personal recollection so may not be entirely accurate but I 
> think I'm pretty close ---- What do you think?
> Larry
> St. Louis
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "pat ladd" <pj.ladd at btinternet.com>
> To: "jazz" <dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com>
> Sent: Monday, February 26, 2007 12:09 PM
> Subject: [Dixielandjazz] simple music
>
>
>