[Dixielandjazz] Question from Igor

[Igor Glenn]

I have a question for Steve Barbone, Don Mopstick, Jim Cullum, et. al.  that I've never been able to answer.
   
  Why do Trad Jazz bands play only tunes from the 1920's, 30's and 40's?  When jazz began, it was very eclectic and drew from folk music to more complex forms.  Are there simply no tunes from prior to 1920 and after 1949 that have melodies, chord progressions, rhythm patterns and lyrics that make good Trad Jazz music?
   
  Do you think if we played some of these tunes that we might attract wider audiences?  
   
  Sadly, I have to wonder if the "gatekeepers" of Trad Jazz really just want it to be like the 1930's & 1940's again.  
   
  What do you think?  What tunes would you suggest?
   
  Please enlighten me - 
   
  IGOR

       
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