[Dixielandjazz] Tributes and copying

[Marek Boym]

On 5 August 2010 03:38, Harry Callaghan <meetmrcallaghan at gmail.com> wrote:
> The first time I ever heard the Ted Heath orchestra, more years ago than I
> care to remembet, it became evident to me that, while not attempting to copy
> any one, he was obviously influenced by the many bandleaders of our big band
> era.

The Heath band was organized after WWII.  of course it was influenced
by Ameican swing bands.  But it did swing like hell and employed many
excellent and original soloists,  It gained some popularity in
America, enough to have most of its records issued there.
>
> On the other hand, while making no attempt to conceal his efforts at
> duplicating the original arrangements, Glen Gray made a series of albums
> paying tribute to those who came to prominence during that period.
>
> He initially went with the most popular, Dorsey, Goodman, Miller, Shaw ,
> etc.and tollowed that with those not quite so popular.


Much less original than the Heath tribute.  The latter indeed bring
the former to mind as an example of copying.  I did not mention the
Gray efforts in order no to put him down.
>
> Then, after pretty much exhausting eforts at imitating them,in what one
> might call their "natural habitat" he did something I considered
> rather unique.
>
> He recorded an album of tunes that were current but in the styles of those
> big band leaders.  I have the album but it's not convenient to get to right
> now.
>
> One number that immediately comes to mind is "Washington Square" which was a
> major hit for the Village Stompers. However, Gray performed it in the style
> of Artie Shaw's "Nightmare"
>
> Quite interesting to say the very least.


Now THAT is new to me and indeed sounds interesting, albeit
"Nightmare" is not my favourite Shaw.
>
Cheers