[Dixielandjazz] Woody Allen and public perception of OKOM

[Rick Campbell]

Does a poor performance of traditional jazz really further our cause?

As a clarinetist, I accept that there are many styles of clarinet  
playing, including Woody Allen's personal and rough-cut approach. But  
from my viewing of "Wild man Blues" I am puzzled about why he  
continually doubles the melody, and rarely engages in the kind of call- 
and-response polyphony that makes early jazz special.

The early jazz clarinetist is largely responsible for the harmonic  
character of the front line of any trad band by his choice of notes.  
When the clarinetist fails at this task, all the air is let out of the  
tire, so to speak. Mr. Allen is very intelligent, and I am sure with  
study and practice he could master the harmonic techniques necessary  
to elevate his role within his otherwise excellent band.

After years of participating in jam sets at jazz societies, or in  
freebie jam bands, I've come to the conclusion that a ragged  
performance of early jazz only reinforces certain stereotypes to the  
listening public: that trad jazz is too loud, out of tune, jumbled and  
disorganized, and "it all sounds the same."

So the public doesn't understand how sublime the music can be when  
played with skill and sensitivity by Buck Creek or Grand Dominion or  
Climax or Bob Schultz or Black Swan.

We have been gifted with a marvelous array of music from the early  
20th century, and as Sidney Bechet said, we should "treat it gentle."

Mr. Allen is a sensitive fellow. Perhaps he will take a hint and spend  
a bit more time woodshedding in private. If he had used the many hours  
he has spent on the analyst's couch for clarinet practice, we would  
all be happier.

Rick Campbell
Rick Campbell, Creative.
Portland, Oregon USA
(503) 234-9440
ricksax at comcast.net