[Dixielandjazz] New Songs for Dixieland

[Stephen G Barbone]

Bob Ringwald asked about recent songs that can be adapted to  
Dixieland. Here are some ideas about songs that will appeal to younger  
audiences. The most difficult audience to please IMO is the 50-60 year  
olds which is why Beetles, Hello Dolly, Elvis, songs should be added  
to this mix. And perhaps "Jeremiah Was A Bullfrog", which we played a  
few time to that audience at private parties and they loved it.


Suggestions for young audience songs:

1) Written Recently: (Young kids love these) You can find more simply  
by listening to the music that the
      YOUNG BANDS are playing. Vocals are important! This may take  
some digging because many of us are
      not wired into the young scene. Get out and go clubbing with  
them. For example:

   "Ode To Bitches",  "Teeth",  "Bury Me In The Pasture", Don't Go  
Lookin For Lonesome"  By Sick's Pack
    http://www.myspace.com/wreckcreationmusic


2) Relevant Songs  (Could be written anytime, but Kids recognize them)

      Etta James songs e.g. "At Last"
      Diana Krall Songs  e.g. American Songbook
      Stevie Wonder Songs

      Checkout what's selling today and who the artists singing  
adaptable music are.


For me, the key is RELEVANCE. Use songs they recognize (surprisingly,  
they do recognize Saints, Muscrat Ramble, Hello Dolly, What A  
Wonderful World and a whole host of songs we all know)

Etc.

I doubt anyone can tell anyone else exactly what or how, or which  
songs. To figure it out, you need to get out among the young in your  
territory and listen to what they find relevant. One way to find out  
is what Igor suggested, ask them.

Cheers,
Steve Barbone
www.barbonestreet.com
www.myspace.com/barbonestreetjazzband