[Dixielandjazz] A very tasty long drum solo!

[Glen Page]

Sorry to be a disenter.Whilst Bowden was an excellent drummer this sound
clip shows two of the major faults with "British Trad" music in the fifties
and beyond. To this date there are musicians from those days who admit that
nearly everything was played too fast and secondly that protracted soli, as
exemplified in this clip did not really fit in with what the music was
supposed to be about.

Certainly many of the youngsters who listened in the clubs raved over these
traits so if commercial success was the main objective many  bands met their
short term objectives. Ken Colyer welcomed Bowden back into his band after
several years absence. Even Ken sometime resorted to"controlled
acceleration"but the cause of this would have to be determined, was it Ken
or was it the rhythm section that lead him astray? 

Bowden could generate tremendous drive without playing at a mad tempo and
without taking prolonged soli but if these traits were sanctioned by the
leader I suppose that there must have been a pay off somewhere.

Cheers,

Glen.