[Dixielandjazz] I like the Dukes of Dixieland!

[Jim Kashishian]

I don't understand the amount of ire that can be shovelled up when someone
mentions they like  the original Dukes of Dixieland.  It goes way back to
when I first listened to them in the late 1950's.  If you liked them then,
you were obviously turning your back on the "real jazz" of the period which
was Lu & Turk, at least in California.

Now, it would seem, if you like them you lean towards some kind of "Diet
Dixie"...a lighter version of the real stuff!  Ohhhh, they became famous
also, so that makes them an automatic no-no?

As the Sheik has pointed out in another post, the Dukes recordings were
(are)perfect for a young person trying to learn this music.  That's how I
used their recordings in my youth. As some nastier tongues have pointed out,
their arrangements could be considered simple, and the intros & endings
could be thought of as "stock".  However, there is certainly nothing wrong
with the wonderful interplay between Frank & Fred, the swinging rhythm
section, and the variety between "march" type jazz & light swing often heard
on their recordings.  Frank's vocals are excellent, also.

I once owned an LP (might have been one of those smaller EP's?) that
featured Freddy's trombone with the rhythm section on "Blue Prelude".  What
a lovely song, what a beautiful horn.  I learned the song & perform the very
same arrangement always remembering the man that "taught" it to me, although
I never spoke to him.

All this bad talk about their recordings.  How many saw them perform live?
I did in Las Vegas (1963).  It was about 6pm, and the lounge was empty.
Nevertheless, they played like it were a full house.  THAT is a band! 

I like the Dukes.  I also like the color red, but I don't like football (of
any kind!). I enjoy yogurts, but don't like liver.  I hope I have made my
point!!

Jim Kashishian