[Dixielandjazz] Fwd: view the preservation hall jazz band on utube over an hour long (Jazzman joe)

[Rick Campbell]

RE: Fwd: view the preservation hall jazz band on utube	over an hour long (Jazzman joe)

As a student of New Orleans history and musical traditions, I have always felt that those of us who were Puritanical Yankees could never quite grasp what NOLA was all about, even though we feel the music and love to play our versions of it. After viewing this video, I am even more convinced. In most parts of the world where early jazz is still played, this Preservation Hall contingent would be considered a charming and authentic but mediocre group. 

Here I am, dedicated to keeping the clarinet in jazz, and those cats show up with two saxophones! Disappointing, but if I really cared, I would move to NOLA like Chris Tyle did, or Dave Ruffner, I suppose, although I can never be Johnny Dodds or George Lewis, and live their rough lives. 

But, would I show this video to young students as an example of what New Orleans jazz should be? Probably not. I would rather have them listen to King Oliver or the Hot Five or the Red Hot Peppers. And there were perhaps a hundred later recording bands who brought the music to a much higher level of artistry, and a great many who do it better today.

Rick Campbell
Portland, Oregon USA
503-701-7356
ricksax at comcast.net