[Dixielandjazz] The Chicken Dance - not really OKOM

[John McClernan]

On Sep 30, 2007, at 1:08 PM, Charlie Hull wrote:

> ...I've worked with good OKOM musicians who don't want to play  
> Muskrat Ramble, or What A Wonderful World, or The Saints, or  
> whatever because they're tired of it, but never could really  
> understand that attitude. We're paid to perform for people's  
> enjoyment, and I don't mind playing a simple tune for the ten- 
> thousandth time if it makes the customer happy. . .

I have to agree with you, Charlie. For 17 summers I played "My Mammy"  
three times a night, six nights a week while Mike Gallo, a Jolson  
sound-alike, put on his iridescent tie and gloves and hit the black  
light on the chorus. It was his finale number (until HE decided that  
the audience wanted a coupla encores every time), but it always drew  
his biggest applause from the audience. You accept that and move on.

Of course, now I'd prefer a sharp stick in the eye than play that tune.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Cheers,
John