[Dixielandjazz] What is Jazz?

[philwilking]

Ah well, each of us has his preferences, but it seems to me we don't
disagree by much.

I prefer that when someone announces a title I recognize, he plays it
recognizably at least once ("using the song as a starting off point"). This
does not mean I want him to play ten choruses all alike, only that when he
starts to "improvise," that his variations on the theme do not lose all 
contact with said theme. That is what I dislike about so much "modern" 
stuff, it sounds to me as though the player is having a bad LSD flashback 
("Like wow man, the notes smell purple!") and has not only laid the tune 
aside (if he ever played it at all), but has completely forgotten where he 
left it.

I suspect I am not unique.

PHIL WILKING

Those who would exchange freedom for
security deserve neither freedom nor security.

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Robert S. Ringwald" <robert at ringwald.com>
>>
>> May I suggest  If the number does not a melody which can be whistled or
>> hummed, it is not jazz.
>
> I have to strongly disagree with your statement.
>
> This means that a musicians is not necessarily playing the song as
> written. He is taking liberties with it, using the song as a starting off
> point and then creating something from that.
>