[Dixielandjazz] Walter Donaldson, Gus Kahn tribute reviewed - + Nighthawks - NY Times

[Don Ingle]

On 1/12/2012 6:27 PM, Robert Ringwald wrote:
> Jaunty Songs That Reveal a Bleaker Reality
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A great read about a songwriter who was clearly the musical emblem of 
White Jazz Age music, Walter Donaldson.
In my band we played a lot of Donaldson songs - they lead to a perfect 
fit for a 20's-40's play list, and I wrote
many charts of some of his tunes that are less familiar than most the 
public would know. For instance, his
"Clouds" is an example, as is the Bix/Whiteman classic "Changes", seldom 
played by most bands. Our book had over
30 Donalson charts (plus many head arrangements of others,) mostly "vest 
pocket" charts easy for a sub to sight-read and lots of room for solo 
freedom.
As a member of the Sons of Bix, I played many other Donaldson songs - 
even several recorded. The Bix/Donaldson connect was a good one.
With over a 1,000 songs to choose from we would have had many more 
Donaldson charts added except for some of us reaching time to hang up 
the horns, (or that death is nature's way to tell you to slow down!)
For my band, after 22 years of togetherness (and over my 60+ years of 
mashing my mouth on a brass  mouthpiece) having old Walt in the book was 
musically fun.
Among some of the oft-orgotten ones that is still a favorite for this 
ancient person is "My Big Moment." For a nice listen find the Sinatra 
cut on it and enjoy.
By having Vince and the gang provide the music in the show just 
reviewed, the producers made a wise choice, as Vince knows his Donaldson 
music - almost as much as this fellow.
It would be a joy to be there to see this show if for no other reason 
than to hear the Nighthawks play Donaldson and Kahn.

Don Ingle