[Dixielandjazz] Sounding authentic - -the 20's

[Paul Edgerton]

Much of my experience has been in 20's-style bands, so I'd like share my
thoughts.

First of all, I have found that when it comes to authentic old-fashioned
music of almost any style, a little goes a long way. What is novel and even
intriguing for a few tunes (even as much as a full set) becomes tedious or
even downright annoying after four hours (or worse -- a whole weekend). It's
always a good policy to provide variety, even within a themed performance.
I'm not saying you have follow "Varsity Drag" with "A Night in Tunisia," but
always remember musical fundamentals and provide a variety of dynamics,
tempos, keys, textures and styles.

While having a certain purity of conception helps in getting an authentic
sound, don't carry that too far. I have known a few very good 20's
specialists who acted as though they were really living in their favorite
decade: wearing vintage clothing ALL THE TIME, and even adopting speech
idioms of the times. Most people see that as oddly eccentric...Others just
think it's just weird.

And finally, remember that today's listeners have a different frame of
reference than listeners in the 20's or 30's. Most people these days have
never heard a purely acoustical band concert. They are used to amplified
electronic sounds. To put it indelicately, they are used to being beaten
over the head and don't always know how to listen realistically performed
vintage music. A novel sound may not be enough to hold their attention.

All of that leads me to my real point: It's usually better to provide a bit
of some vintage style than to immerse an audience in it. Give them something
they can identify with; something they can recognize. The movie "The Sting,"
which was set in the 30's, used ragtime music more typical of the turn of
the century.

But if you DO want to do the 20's or 30's in anything close to authentic
style, go read up about it at listmate David Littlefield's website: <
http://americanmusiccaravan.com>  It also wouldn't hurt to check out
recording by band's like Vince Giordano's Nighthawks or Don Neely's Royal
Society Jazz Orchestra.

-- Paul Edgerton