[Dixielandjazz] Woody Allen and public perception of OKOM

[Harry Callaghan]

This sure as hell doesn't look "off-list" to me........give it a rest.

On 6/5/10, Rick Campbell <ricksax at comcast.net> wrote:
>
> 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
>
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