[Dixielandjazz] Hypothetical question

[Larry Walton Entertainment - St. Louis]

My choice would have been a great tuba player rather than a string bass 
player.

I find that the drummer is the one that usually bothers me the most.  First 
reason is that many are just not into OKOM and you get the flavor of 
whatever he's into.  Swing drummers swing and rock drummers rock neither of 
which is what I personally want.  You need a person who knows traps and when 
to use them along with knowing all the styles that were around in pre 
thirty's music.

How many drummers today know how to do a tango or even a street beat? 
Musical taste and versatility is the trait most often lacking in drummers. 
Find a really good drummer and you have something.  Another thing is that 
drummers today have drum sets that just don't sound right for OKOM but 
that's another topic.

Upgrading the drummer IMHO would make the most difference.  Then too, they 
also can destroy a good band with bad playing.  A string bass player unless 
he's really terrible just can't destroy the band.  (a bad guitar bass player 
can however)
Larry
St. Louis
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Ken Gates" <kwg28 at sbcglobal.net>
To: "Larry Walton" <larrys.bands at charter.net>
Cc: "Dixieland Jazz Mailing List" <dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com>
Sent: Tuesday, November 03, 2009 1:53 PM
Subject: [Dixielandjazz] Hypothetical question


> Maybe this question will spark some interest.
> Let's say there is a 7 piece OKOM band with conventional front line of
> three instruments and 4 piece rhythm section.  Each player is of 
> satisfactory,
> but not extraordinary skill level   If ONE player were to be replaced with
> a person of the very highest skill level, which instrument would make the
> most difference in the upgrade of the collective sound of the group?
> A member of the rhythm section?  Of the front line?  Which instrument?
>
> I'm wondering if my choice of --- string bass player ---is shared by 
> anyone.
> Seems to me an upgrade of the  rhythm section will improve the sound of 
> the front line.. Not sure if front line upgrade will necessarily improve 
> the function and sound of the rhythm section.
> Any opinions?
>
> Ken Gates
>
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