[Dixielandjazz] Swing Dance Gigs

[andy.ling at quantel.com]

>From: "Ken Mathieson" <ken at kenmath.free-online.co.uk>

>One of the
>greatest jazz drummers, Big Sid Catlett, loved playing for chorus
>lines and was loved by the chorus girls in turn because his tempo was
>rock-steady, he swung mightily and he played accents to match the
>high-stepping kicks etc.

Of course they'd love Sid. It's all about the rhythm :^)

> On the other hand, playing for people who
>don't dance with energy, rhythm and a bit of invention can be a real
>drag.
>

I've never been to any of the swing dances my mate played at, but he
described serious dancers dressed in period dancing the night away. They
just didn't seem interested in the music and solos.

I think the dancers were appreciative of the band, it's just he didn't get
the same enjoyment playing for them.

Steve talked about connecting with the audience. My friend is a pro player
who has been leading bands for many years and connects well with the
audience and I'm sure he would have done a pro job. I don't think these are
regular gigs like Steve describes. So he probably wouldn't have established
a long term "bond" with the dancers.

My point was really, that he himself didn't enjoy the gigs, so doesn't go
looking for them. He gets enough work without the need to. It sounds like
others have had similar experiences.

The conversations went on to speculate maybe this is were bop came from.
The guys in the swing bands of the 30s & 40s got so bored playing for the
dancers, they couldn't wait to try something new in the "out of hours" jam
sessions.

Andy Ling


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