[Dixielandjazz] Dixieland & Showmanship

[Stephen G Barbone]

Interesting views from those who dislike showmanship.

What about the GREAT LOUIS ARMSTRONG. Certainly the top jazz musician  
of the first half of the 20th Century and near the top for the rest of  
it. And certainly one of the greatest showmen in jazz. Should we  
dislike Louis for his showmanship? I think not.

IMO, jazz started out as showmanship. From Tom Brown to ODJB to the  
Fire House Five to some of the most popular OKOM Festival Bands today.

Regarding Trummy Young and playing the slide with his foot Perhaps he  
was paying tribute to the GREAT GEORGE BRUNIES who did the same thing.  
Not only that but Brunies would often lie flat on the floor and invite  
young women to stand on his chest while he played trombone. Of course  
he insisted on a 150 pound weight limit and the ladies had to remove  
their high heeled shoes. Should we therefore dislike Brunies? I think  
not. Especially those of us who saw him do it at Condons and then go  
on to play some VERY exciting trombone when Wild Bill Davison was in  
that band. They challenged each other.

Quite a few GREAT musicians had a stage persona that they cultivated.  
Showmanship of one form or another. From Louis, to Trummy, Brunies,  
Gillespie, Monk, Prima and many, many others. Different in how they  
entertained, but showmanship never the less.

IMO, the music was never enough, and never will be. Except for a few  
artsy fartsy elitists and they don't pay the bills.

Cheers,
Steve Barbone
www.myspace.com/barbonestreetjazzband