[Dixielandjazz] Criticizing the kids - was Nickki Yanofsky

[Stephen G Barbone]

> "Craig Johnson" <civanj at roadrunner.com> wrotre (polite snip)
>
> I thought it was our general intent to encourage youth to
> sing real music like this, rather than the crapola they listent to.
> --- not to say awe -- that ain't so good.
> "Someone with the strength of mind" ---  to put down a  15 year old   
> is
> equivalent to grandfather who brags about beating his
> 6 year old grandson at chess.

Bravo Craig. We have enough "professional" critics in this world  
without adding amateurs. Especially critics of the kids who like the  
music.

Reminds me of some of the early critics of Jonathan Russell, dissing  
him when he was 8 because he didn't sound like Joe Venuti or Stuff  
Smith when they were at the height of their fame.

I love the musical kids, especially when they have the balls to get  
out there in front of an audience and perform at a young age.  
Hopefully their mentors have told them about "critics" and advised  
them to disregard the fault finding naysayers. Hopefully the kids will  
learn to be secure in their own talent and laugh at those who  
criticize what they do.

Speaking about Ella. One story about her is how Chick Webb said upon  
seeing her the first time, I don't want that dog in my band.  
(paraphrased). Yet after he later relented and she joined the band, he  
loved her singing and the way she sold her songs. And a few days  
before he died he said to Teddy McRae: If anything happens to me,  
don't let the guys mess up, take care of Ella."  (Source - Stuart  
Nicholson's Bio of Ella)

Cheers,
Steve Barbone
www.myspace.com/barbonestreetjazzband