[Dixielandjazz] Audience Applause

[Lowell Busching]

I am not sure I agree on the poster who mentioned trying to loosen up 
normally classical audiences when a jazz band is playing a classical 
venue. Perhaps in hopes of soliciting applause for solos? I think the 
applause, if any, then becomes even more phony as Bob Ringwald alluded to.

Perhaps someone mentioned it already, but at most jazz venues, soloists 
get at least polite applause after their solos even if they don't 
warrant it, but because it seems to be a cultural thing in a jazz venue. 
On the other hand these same people can go to a classical event and seem 
to feel no compulsion to applaud after every classical solo no matter 
how good it is. It is not the "cultural" thing to do.

Are we applauding for the quality of the musicians playing or the 
quality of the music or both at a jazz event, or just because it is the 
thing to do?

Many years ago Ed Polcer, who may be reading this list, took a group of 
jazz musicians doing his History of Jazz show to a number of community 
concert venues. Especially at that time, most of the audiences, even if 
performed in a high school cafeteria, were classical music fans. Many 
had never heard or paid attention to jazz until then.

At an excellent venue in an old concert hall in Wittier, Ca. the group 
was all dressed in Tux and Ed did his narration. It was very hard to 
tell if the audience was enjoying it or not as there was almost no 
applause for solos, no matter how good, and only polite applause after a 
number. All very formal except for the few jazz fans like myself, and we 
held back, out of "respect" for the rest of the audience.

Nether Ed nor the other musicians tried to solicit applause.

At the end of the first half, there was "thunderous applause" and his CD 
sold like hot cakes in the lobby. The volunteer seller was literally 
mobbed by people waving $20 bills. Few if any left early.

My opinion.  When in Rome etc.  Make THEM feel comfortable.

Mad Dog  The Verbose One