[Dixielandjazz] Your thoughts on rushing

[Harry Callaghan]

I am instantly reminded of the Dorsey Brothers in 1935..

Tommy didn't like the tempo of a number and walked off stage.  While they
played themselves in a movie bio, "The Fabulous Dorseys" (1947) they did not
actually reunite as an orchestra until 1953, then billed as the Tommy Dorsey
Orchestra featuring Jimmy Dorsey.

Contrary to popular belief, Elvis Presley did not make his TV debut with Ed
Sullivan, but rather on "The Dorsey Brothers Stage Show", a summer
replacement for Jackie Gleason.

Of course, I once went 29 years without seeing my brother, and we're not
even musicians........but we did an impromptu vocal rendition of "Some of
These Days" for shoppers at an Amish Flea Market.the day after we re-united
in February 2005.

Tides,
HC


On 6/7/10, Rick Campbell <ricksax at comcast.net> wrote:
>
> I've been interviewing musicians in the Portland area for the past year,
> asking them for their thoughts on the phenomenon of the rushing rhythm
> section. I would like to write an essay on some of the causes and cures for
> this music problem, although I will probably alienate many of my friends in
> the back line when I do so.
>
> Specifically I am interested in two types of rushing which I have
> identified on OKOM bandstands, most often in pickup bands and jam sessions,
> but sometimes in working professional bands, too:
>
> 1. A rather abrupt speeding up of the tune in the first few choruses. An
> example would be counting off Ain't Misbehavin' at 108 MM (in 4) and finding
> the rhythm section has taken it up to 126 MM, where it more or less stays.
>
> 2. A gradual speeding up of a song from beginning to end. An example would
> be counting off That's A Plenty at 120 MM (in 2) and watching the tune
> nervously accelerate to 138 MM (or more) over a series of choruses.
>
> I am not concerned with the occasional song which is counted off at a
> "wrong" tempo. That is an issue with the band leader, and probably is
> another subject.
>
> I welcome your thoughts and anedotes on the rushing challenge, and I will
> give you attribution or keep you anonymous, as you wish.
>
> So far, the most common quote is I have received: “It wasn't me, it was
> him!”
>
> So far, I have met only one musician, a successful solo female lounge
> pianist, who said frankly,“Yes, I rush, and I know I do.”
>
>
> Rick Campbell
> Leader, Milneburg Jazz Band and Quiet Nights Trio
> Portland, Oregon USA
> (503) 234-9440
> ricksax at comcast.net
>
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