[Dixielandjazz] Using popular tunes

[Jim Kashishian]

Marek wrote:

>In the  liner notes to one of my Kid Thomas CDs I've read that Thomas would
bring the music for currently popular tunes for his band to learn and play.
 
I enjoyed the clip on "You Are the Sunshine of My Life", Marek.  

Although many of today's popular tunes don't necessarily fit our style
(peculiar chord changes/no chord changes/repetive/whatever), there are many
out there that do work.  We have recently added a tune that is not normally
done by Dixieland bands... "The Pink Panther" to our list.  I know, it's not
exactly new, but very well-known & loved.  As soon as the audience hear the
Ching, followed by Budumpta dum they go wild. We have others such as the
oldie that Elvis made famous "Are You Lonesome Tonight".

That doesn't mean that we don't do the old warhorses you mentioned.  I
insist that those don't have to be "beaten to death", due to the fact that
we of course are improvising, therefore even something played often can be
changed and re-invented.  It's up to the band to make it fresh!

Cheers, Jim