[Dixielandjazz] FW: FW: JazzSea Cruise

[Jim Kashishian]

>Have a great cruise and I hope some of the music will be to your taste,
Jude
Judy Eames

Thanks, Judy.  But, I'm not expecting much with the music.  What I've heard
mostly on ships has been a singer, pianist & a "boom/chicka with strings"
machine.  Alright, the larger ships have up to a 12 piece band in the
showroom, and you'll get a nite or two of big band jazz, but the lounges are
all small groups...and, the reason for this post....mostly  electronically
backed groups.

I know some on DJML go out in this manner...Larry has mentioned often that
he does.  However, it seems to me on a proper cruise, they could go that bit
further & put musicians in place of machines.  Unfortunately, the general
audience doesn't even notice.  None of my non-musician friends notice, or
even understand my grumblings.  Shame.

I've noticed that it is ourselves that have caused the decline.  Ok, that,
and economics.  But, the very bands that say, "right we can give you 5 guys,
or we can give you 3 guys and a box for less cash" that has driven us down
this road.  I realize that scambling for gigs forces many onto this road.
My only comment is that it is a shame, for the musicians & the actual sound
of the music.

Jim