[Dixielandjazz] Struck by a Comment NSFW

[Tom Belmessieri]

Hi Mart,

 

Thanks for sharing your perspective.  I have read that, in those days, even the white and black musicians had to sneak off to jam together after hours.  We've come a long way.  As for the origination of the word 'jazz', my understanding is that it evolved from 'jass', which evolved from 'jackass', referring to that 'jackass music', purely a derogitory term from those who disapproved of that type of music.  I'm sure there are other versions or theories.

 

Tom B.
----------------------------------------------------------
 
> From: macjazz at comcast.net
> Date: Wed, 25 Mar 2009 10:06:25 -0400
> Subject: Re: [Dixielandjazz] Struck by a Comment NSFW
> CC: dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com
> To: TBELMO at hotmail.com
> 
> I've brought this up before and been criticized for it, but race is a major 
> factor in this discussion. The fact that jazz was considered (an actually 
> was) a part of the Afro American society generated much of the perceived 
> negativisms. The reference was highly derogatory coming from a very straight 
> white society.
> 
> My dad (born in 1908) in Flint, Michigan had to "sneak down across the 
> tracks" to buy Louis Armstrong records, even in the 20's. They were strictly 
> a "race record" product and weren't even available in "his part of town." 
> When he brought them home, his mother wouldn't let him play "that nasty 
> music" in the house. He had to go down in the basement and into a closed 
> room even there, to listen to the music.
> 
> Also, it is my understanding that "Jazz" or "Jass" was originally a 
> reference to fornication, not fecal matter.
> 
> Mart
> 
> Martin D. McKay, (Designated Listener)
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "David Richoux" <tubaman at tubatoast.com>
> To: "Martin D. McKay" <macjazz at comcast.net>
> Cc: "Dixieland Jazz Mailing List" <dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com>
> Sent: Wednesday, March 25, 2009 2:06 AM
> Subject: Re: [Dixielandjazz] Struck by a Comment NSFW
> 
> 
> > Not quite, Phil...
> >
> > From everything I have read on the subject, the closer "dirty word" 
> > linked to Jazz & Jass was "J*zz" / "J*ss" (or "J*zzum" / "J*ssum" ) (or 
> > what was found on the "Famous Blue Dress") - the barnyard links were 
> > also there, but the links to the world of prostitutes and pimps were much 
> > closer.
> >
> > Sorry if anybody was offended by this fact, but it is pretty well 
> > documented! Maybe knowing the true roots of the music will bring all 
> > those young people to our performances (but maybe not ;-)
> >
> > Dave Richoux
> >
> >
> > On Mar 24, 2009, at 7:47 PM, PHIL WILKING wrote:
> >
> >> Just remember that the word "jazz" was first spelled "jass," and it was 
> >> far from a compliment. When used a century ago by the long established 
> >> musicians to characterize the music of the younger generation, "jass" 
> >> was a euphemism for "musical manure," that is: S**T.
> >>
> >> Phil Wilking
> >>
> >> The New Orleans Banjo Rendez-Vous
> >> May 14, 15, & 16, 2009
> >> Visit www.nolabanjo.com for info
> >>
> >> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jerry Gordon" <jerrygordon at juno.com
> >> >
> >>
> >>> If we didn't avoid the J-word, then maybe "civilians" would begin to
> >>> understand some of what it encompasses.
> >>>
> >>
> >
> >
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> 
> 
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