[Dixielandjazz] Question from Igor

[Rick Zahniser]

Igor Glenn wrote:
> 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
>
>   
In fact, Trad is really a feel, rather than a specific set of tunes.  
The Tuba, Piano & Banjo give Trad a two-beat feel that went away in the 
mid-30's, with the advent of Swing.  Walking bass just destroys the feel 
of it.  It's still jazz, but it'sl lost the bounce as it starts "swinging."

Lot's of country tunes make good Trad tunes.  Here are some that are in 
our book:
- Waiting for a train (Jimmy Rodgers)
- Folsom Prison Blues (Johnny Cash)
- It's been a great afternoon (Merle Haggard)
- Money, Honey (Elvis Presley)
- Ophelia (The Band)

and You've got a Friend in Me (Randy Newman... from Toy Story)

Rick Jolley
http://coloradonighthawks

Play these with a Trad band and they sound like Trad!!