[Dixielandjazz] help for tunes

[Beth Schweitzer]

Very well said, Jim. I was thinking along the same lines but didn't know
how to say it. As a listener, I appreciate good music, but the whole
experience is so much more enjoyable when it looks like the band is
having a good time. Whether it be that the musicians are simply
appreciating each others talents, or are cutting up on the stage and
having fun, it shows through and adds a spark that makes an otherwise
good experience into something great and memorable.

Titan Hot 7 is an example of a band that really has fun on stage and it
rubs off on the audience. I hope they can continue this without Bob
Draga. The Boondockers were an extreme example of this and I sure do
miss them!

Red Lehr's bands always seem to be enjoying themselves and playing with
each other, and that electrifies the performances too, even without the
comedy.

Both examples are ways to enliven the performance over and above the
virtuosity of the musicians, but having said that, the musical talent
has to be there underlying it all in order for the spark to happen.

Cheers,
Beth

-------- Original Message --------

From: "Jim Kashishian" <jim at kashprod.com>


Tito wrote:
>Anyway, my band is going strong but some people say "you are very good, but
seem too serious at stage..." and I agree.

Then Tito asked for the chords for various songs, saying:
>This will make the people laugh... and the Band also...


Tito, I don't wish to come off as some kind of know-it-all, but I think
the
happiness (or less seriousness) has to come from within, not from
special,
funny tunes, funny stories, or special tricks. 

As trained musicians, it is hard for us not to think that people should
recognize our talents, and react to them. In most cases, however, it
will
only be other musicians who appreciate that. 

The general audience will react to what they see first, then what they
hear
second. If they just see a happy group on stage, then...ok, it's a happy
group. If they see a happy group, and hear a close-knit music coming
from
them, then they will realize something is going on that is good. If they
see everyone being extremely serious, then they may not get past that to
realize that the music is very good.

I would suggest firstly, that any group take themselves less seriously.
Inside you're having the time of your life, so why not let that shine
out?

As the song says "When You're Smiling....., the Whole World Will Smile
With
You".

Jim