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

[Marek Boym]

Hello,
In my reply to David, I forgot to mention that wonderful French band -
The Anachronic Jazz Band - that played tw-beat arrangements of tunes
by Charlie Parker, Monk, and even, if I am not mistaken - Ornette
Coleman (Gary can tell us more about it, having been a member).
cheers

On 17/05/07, Steve Barbone <barbonestreet at earthlink.net> wrote:
> 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
>
>
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