[Dixielandjazz] Advertising -- Larry's thoughts

[David Dustin]

Larry wrote:
I also find that almost every other group that I compete with do not do
vocals and it gives me a sales edge over them.

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Maybe it¹s because we aren¹t phenomenal jazz musicians, but I especially
agree with Larry¹s point. One attractive thing about the trad jazz idiom is
the fact that so many songs sprang from popular sung music of the day, so
enjoyable and amusing lyrics exist. (Lyrics to ³Giant Steps,² in contrast,
had to be added by others decades after Coltrane composed the song.) Rather
than hearing each player solo on the chorus, I think audiences enjoy hearing
somebody sing on tunes such as ŒDoctor Jazz¹.  With a little artful
ad-libbing and singing of alternate verses, ³Some Day You¹ll Be Sorry²
becomes part of a running shtick between me and the clarinet player. We even
go into 3-part vocal harmony on songs like ³Shanty In Old Shanty Town² and
our closer,  ³Didn¹t He Ramble².  Audiences seem to enjoy vocal verses.

David Dustin