[Dixielandjazz] Trad Jazz

[John Petters]

On 16/01/2011 00:02, Marek Boym wrote:
> Hello Glen,
> Neither Colyer nor Humph.
> But I am not a great fan of Colyer, at least - not early Colyer
> (although I like the Crane River Jazz Band).  I have just listened to
> Colyer album "Sensation" (lake LA 5001), comprising the 1955-59 Decca
> recordings, which has reiforced that feeling.  I liked his later
> recordings, especially those with Sammy Rimmington on clarinet,
> Still, I consider it unfortunate that he did not keep the band Chris
> Barber put up for him.

Oh dear, Marek!
What are you not hearing in the Colyer band with Bowden, Duncan & Wheeler?

This was the closet British musicians got to NO Jazz at the time. Much 
of the success was due to Colin Bowden's powerful Baby Dodds influenced 
drumming.

As for the line up with Chris Barber, this to me has always sounded like 
jazz with the jazz taken out. It rhythmically goes nowhere.

I have to admire Chris for what he has achieved, but to me the weakness 
of his 50s bands was in the rhythm section.

Humph had it - but in a different way to Colyer and the 59 / 60 Acker 
Bilk band with the great Ron McKay on drums swung like the clappers. Cy 
Laurie and Sandy Brown were not trad bands either. Most of the rest were 
(excluding Welsh and Freddy Randall).

British trad spawned Euro Trad which was one more step removed from the 
source.

John Petters
www.traditional-jazz.com
Amateur Radio Station G3YPZ