[Dixielandjazz] vocals

[Jim Kashishian]

I'll just have to add my thoughts to this one...

Vocals/singers have always been the "naughty word" amongst instrumentalists.
Standing in the background while a singer "fronts" the band is not normally
what we like to do. 

However, in our kind of music, one tends to run into the "singer within the
band" more than having to back a singer for a whole set.  And, yes, I do
believe strongly that this is something audiences like.

Perhaps the common person is able to "connect" easier with the vocalist than
a musician.  (Everyone can sing, well or poorly, but not all have the
knowledge of a musical instrument.)

I carry the tune in our band, and I know as a fact that without the vocals a
lot of our gigs wouldn't happen.  That is not because I have some kind of
great voice, but has more to do with the above mentioned fact.

Those in our band have all had too many years backing some very well-known
singers, and prefer to leave all that behind us.  The odd chorus sung by
yours truly is acceptable & works commercially.

Funny story:  once, during a sorta wild version of Darktown Strutter's Ball
I dropped the microphone.  Instead of picking it up, I threw myself on the
floor after the thing....misjudged the distance, & smashed my lip on the
mic.  When I stood up (still singing energetically), there was blood all
over the mic, my shirt, etc.  The audience went wild! I think it brought out
the bullfighting spirit in them & they probably wanted to see if an ear
would be cut off next!!   :>

Jim