[Dixielandjazz] Upright vs. Sit down

[Ministry of Jazz]

Shalom Jim,

I can't speak for current US bands. My band generally sits if we're playing
background music for a party or other informal event, and we stand if we're
doing a concert on stage. No historical reason. I was going to suggest that
maybe it's because so many players are aging and not able to stand and play
for long periods of time.

I myself, at 57 and let's say carrying a few extra kilos, find it
uncomfortable to stand for a whole show. However, I do not like to sit
because the sitting position does not permit me to perform with the same
energy. And I don't think it looks nearly as good from the audience. Most of
my players are half my age, and have no problem standing, and prefer to
stand during shows. What I like to do is to use a stool, as you suggested,
so I can almost stand, but have the extra support when I need it. I
generally stand up for singing and solos, and use the stool while playing
backup, ensemble, etc. Often I don't use the stool much at all, but the
psychological value of having it handy helps too.

On the other hand, last night we did a street parade at a Jerusalem
neighborhood street festival, in which we played while strolling (not
marching) up and down the street for nearly 5 hours, with a 15 - 20 minute
break each hour. I surprised myself at how well I was able to keep going.
But today my feet paid the price. Oh, well, it was a great gig, and well
worth it.

All the best.

Elazar
Doctor Jazz Dixieland Band
Jerusalem, Israel
www.doctorjazz.co.il
+972-2-679-2537


-----Original Message-----
From: Jim Kashishian [mailto:jim at kashprod.com]
Sent: Tuesday, September 15, 2009 11:50 AM
To: dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com
Cc: Dixieland Jazz Mailing List
Subject: [Dixielandjazz] Upright vs. Sit down



>Hi Listmates:
If you're ever in the SF Bay Area be sure to check out this wonderful band:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyC7vc1DKjE&feature=channel_page
-- Rae Ann


I've seen this band in other videos referred to on djml.  Good band,
particularly enjoy the trumpeter.

A question comes to mind, though, while watching the video.  How come so
many bands in the U.S. tend to sit down?  As a brass player, standing is so
much a better position to be in, for the breathing & for the swinging.

Is the reason a "call to the past", where we see early New Orleans jazzmen
sitting in old photographs?  If so, why try to emulate the past so much, and
then lament not capturing the present?

If the reason is the age of the performer & his/her ability to stay upright
during a whole performance, then a nearby stool can be used as a prop when
necessary....but, you're still upright & above the heads of the listeners.

Jim