[Dixielandjazz] Tears

[Stephen G Barbone]

> "Pat Ladd" <pj.ladd at btinternet.com> wrote
> 
> I have just played the version of `Tears` by the Black Eagles.
> 
> I don`t think that I have ever listened to a tune with absolutely no 
> discernable melody line before. A nice sound , obviously  enjoyed by the 
> band and the audience but no tune.
> 
> I dont think `Tears` gets played over here. At least I cannot recall ever 
> hearing of it. The only `Tears` known here is a song, a waltz,  recorded by 
> by a comedian. Ken Dodd, called Tears for souvenirs` . This was top of the 
> charts for several weeks way back when. I think it was the first tune I 
> learned on a ukulele which must have been around 50 years ago.
> I can usually whistle the melody line to a tune but I am afraid that `Tears` 
> defeated me. Am I missing something?
> Anyone have a lead sheet?

Dear Pat:

Here is the original King Oliver version

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlKXnghdq1w

In my ears, the New Black Eagles do a fine job with it. As for melody, I hear a melody. Personally, I prefer listening to the Eagles possibly because the fidelity is much better and I am not a fan of Dutrey's trombone on the Oliver version. In my ears it is a bit sappy.

In terms of musicianship, sometimes I think we tend to put the originals on a pedestal. Deservedly so since they did it first.  However there are some outstanding musicians playing today, like the Eagles on this tune, who also deserve a lot of credit for their rendition which I think swings its ass off.

BTW, here is the Bobby Vinton version of Tears For Souvenirs. Made the billboard charts here in 1966, #27 on the adult contemporary list.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GmNTUJhw_k

or the very polished Jerry Vale version

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBiUNb6z7zU

Cheers,
Steve Barbone 
www.myspace.com/barbonestreetjazzband