[Dixielandjazz] Jazz in UK

[Judy Eames]

There was jazz being played in the UK in the 20s (except jazz was a rude 
word so they often called it "syncopated" music)  but it's definitely 
"stuff they played here in the 20s"  too! The thing that amazes me is 
that bands travelled so far to play, I know there were lots of Americans 
playing in London and I seem to remember reading about a band travelling 
to Africa!  The pay was incredible .... top bands played some of their 
musicians £10,000 a year.  I'm not making it up, we have a primary 
source .... Melody Makers 1926 to 32   the professional journal at the 
time.  Tony Davis and I are putting together a programme of the tunes 
that were played in 1926 with snippets of news gleaned from the 
journals...... this will run at Bude Jazz Festival and you're all 
welcome to come :-)


As for today,  I can't speak for Mainland Europe but a lot of the 
current fans came to the music as I did in the very early  60s through 
the records of Kenny Ball, Chris Barber, Acker Bilk (all still playing)  
This means that a lot of us  are in our sixties and still able to dance 
the night away .....  only singing's easier IMHO.

jude

www.jude at judyeames.co.uk