[Dixielandjazz] What's in the name?

[Jim Kashishian]

All this discussion about what we all actually play (on DJML) & how to call
it, etc........
 
I discovered I had the answer in our press blip which I will copy below.  It
sort of solves the problem of "what do you call it?", and also that we refer
to "creating our own style" by using the extensive musical experiences of
all the members of the band.
We don't mention playing any particular style, so are not boxed in by that,
and that freedom has allowed us to mold our play list to any particular job.
 
I made up the text by using the following translated quotes from articles
written over the years about the band, such as.............
 
"creating an energy powerful enough to spread the happiness of Jazz to
everyone listening."
"La Canal perfectly transmits its music collaborating its image as the
longest continuously performing band in Spain."  
"Simply, the band exhibits dignity and excellent musicianship."
"TV exposure of one billion viewers during their one and a half hour
concert."
"With the Canal Street Jazz Band it is impossible to be bored or to consider
that Jazz is only for intellectuals or minority groups.  Nothing to object
to, and, yes, much to please and to applaud for."
 
Following is a translation of what I send out when someone wishes to know
about our band.............  Some on DJML may wish to discuss that the three
styles I mention below are actually not the same music, but I am using it
here to clear up what people tend to say to us.  Is it this or that?  My
answer is "does it matter what it is called, since the names often mean
different things to different people?"  Anyway, it is my quick solution to a
prickly problem...............................
 
Jim Kash
 

 

Dixieland Jazz, New Orleans Jazz, Traditional Jazz, different names for the
same music....a style created in New Orleans and represented in Madrid,
Spain by the CANAL STREET JAZZ BAND during the last 41 years.

 

La Canal, as it is known locally, has five members, each one adding his own
ideas which gave birth to a band with its own style creating an energy
powerful enough to spread the happiness of Jazz to everyone listening. 

 

With its years of experience, La Canal perfectly transmits its music
collaborating its image as the longest continuously performing band in
Spain.  Simply, the band exhibits dignity and excellent musicianship.

 

The rhythm section consists of pianist Fernando Sobrino, contrabassist
Antonio Domínguez, and drummer Antonio Calero.  Together they create a swing
which perfectly supports the melody line played by Pepe Nuñez on trumpet,
and Jim Kashishian on the trombone.

 

La Canal Street Jazz Band was formed in Madrid in 1967, and has continued
playing up to this date.  The members are all Spanish except for Jim, who is
from California, but has lived in Madrid since 1966.  Jim adds his voice,
also, to many tunes such as Mack The Knife, When The Saints Go Marching In,
and New York, New York.

 

The band continues to play more than ever in different jazz clubs,
restaurantes, private parties, and concerts throughout Spain.  To specify
several recent events:

 

*  appearing at the 30th Anniversary of the Colegio Mayor San Juan
Evangelista Jazz Festival in Madrid.  La Canal also appeared at the 1st Jazz
Festival put on at this University Hall 30 yrs ago!

 

*  performing at a concert honoring the works of the Spanish poet Luis
Cernuda celebrated at the Teatro Cervantes in Malaga, Spain.  A memorable
concert featuring La Canal Street Jazz Band, the Orquesta Sinfonica de
Madrid, and the Bilbao Choir with over two hundred musicians on the stage.

 

*  featured on Main Street in Madrid (La Gran Via) during the motorcade of
the Prince of Asturias & his bride after the Royal wedding.  La Canal had a
TV exposure of one billion viewers during their one and a half hour concert.

 

The Diario de Navarra, a Spanish newspaper, wrote about La Canal:  "With the
Canal Street Jazz Band it is impossible to be bored or to consider that Jazz
is only for intellectuals or minority groups.  Nothing to object to, and,
yes, much to please and to applaud for."