[Dixielandjazz] Obscure Songs - What the Audience relates to, or not.

[Steve Barbone]

IMO, Jeannie Brei's point is well taken. As are David Dustin's and Marke
Boym's.

The general audience, to which David plays (me too) wants to hear some
familiar songs. So by all means play "That's A Plenty", "Hello Dolly",
"Muskrat Ramble" (sometimes audience identified as "1,2,3, What are We
Fighting For" by Country Joe and The Fish) and the rest.

So we play "Two Deuces", or "Hesitation Blues" etc., as well. They are great
songs, and have the feel and audience appreciation because of their easy to
follow melodic lines. They can be easily hummed by the average audience
member whether or not they are familiar.

Like Jeannie, we mix our sets, typically eight songs. Six are familiar to
the audience and 2 may not be. The common thread is simply that they swing,
have easy to follow melody, and are played with energy.

Plus, we expand the Dixieland repertoire to more current songs. For example,
Beatles tunes are fair game, as are tunes like "St Thomas" by Sonny Rollins,
or "Sister Sadie" by Horace Silver, or "Blue Monk" by Monk. Dixieland
prospered in the 20s-30s because current pop/dance, as well as "jazz" tunes
were adapted to the style. Why should that be any different today?

Depending upon the audience, even a tune like "At Last" makes a greatly
appreciated number when played in a funky, bluesy, Dixieland style.

There are thousands of songs out there that can be, and/or are played in
Dixieland style. Shoot, Tex Wyndham's song book, used by his bands has at
least 1500. Some amay suck, but most are fun to play and fun to hear.

Marek, many bands have nothing to add to the war-horses, however just as
many do bring something new to the party. Depends upon whether or not they
have their noses stuck in the charts, or whether they truly know how to
improvise, individually and collectively. Perhaps most festival bands these
days are seeking to emulate past masters and sticking to the charts. They
have their audience. Others are free wheeling improvisers and they too have
their audience. Seek out the latter for a new look at old tunes.

Cheers,
Steve Barbone