[Dixielandjazz] Good jazz & doomsday?

[Marek Boym]

On 9 March 2014 12:07, Jim Kashishian <jim at kashprod.com> wrote:

>
>
>
> Then, Marek wrote about young people enjoying jazz in his country, followed
> by a "doomsday post" by Louis from the U.S.
>
> I gather that it is much harder in the U.S. to "go out & find the young
> audiences" (as Marek suggested) due to the non-blending of age groups I
> have
> seen in places in the U.S. It is probably easier said than done there.
>

Well, Jim, it may be so.  But Steve Barbone plays in the States and does
play for young people, and so does Tom Wiggins.  Moreover, video clips of
the young bands (Tuba Skinny, for example) show a lot of young people in
the audience.
As to "blending of age groups" - you won't find many people over 40 in
Hudna, or in most Tel-Aviv bars - too noisy.  OK, perhaps over 40 is an
exaggeration, but over 50 is not, and over 60 - hardly any.  Wherever Eli
and the Chocolate factory play, most of the audience is young; the only
place where it is older is the Felicja Blumental Music Centre, but it as a
rule is a classical place.  The same was true when he led The New Orleans
Function.  Swing de Gitanes also draws young audiences.  But both bands
play for dancers, and are in contact with the Tel-Aviv swing dancers.  My
age group (I belong to all the "over" groups) only goes when we know OKOM
would be played.  As I have mentioned in my post, we came for the band;
most of the others came because  they heard good music.
Cheers



>
> Outside the U.S., in many countries there doesn't seem to be that
> separation
> of ages when "going out on the town".  As I've mentioned many times here
> before, I feel very fortunate to be in one of those areas where we
> experience audiences ranging from 16 into the 90's, with the emphasise more
> on 20 & 30's.
>
> But, if a band is not "cooking", as mentioned, then the kids will be out
> the
> door quick enough, no matter where you are in the world.
>
> I look at each set as "a show", with an aim to a climax & very little
> lulls.
> Entertainment, along with good music is a must.  I don't mean telling
> jokes,
> I'm talking about letting the audience see you yourself are enjoying your
> music.
>
> Sitting down front lines (something I just can't fathom!) staring at the
> floor between solos, letting minutes flow by while deciding on the next
> song, are all no-no's in keeping a young crowd in the door.  I've seen all
> these things in a lot of band's clips on YouTube. If it's a physical thing
> that keeps you off your feet, then you can always get a stool!  The idea is
> to be "up there" in front of the audience.
>
> There is also the problem of noise in the younger crowds who are more
> accustomed to shouting over the top of recorded music than listening to
> live
> musicians.  I take it upon myself to "win them over" when these occassions
> arrive, and there are various tricks a musician can use for that.  Getting
> angry that they aren't listening to you won't do the trick!  Playing a
> really, really quiet song will often get attention, and there are many
> other
> ways.
>
> Years ago, I mentioned a fabulous film of a live performance by The Rolling
> Stones.  I watched that film at least 5 times, and recommended it to anyone
> who performs live on djml.  I never got a single response from anyone on
> the
> list about the film, which is a shame.  Watching that film was a crash
> course in how to be an entertainer, which shouldn't be a naughty word for
> jazzers if they want to attract younger people.
>
> I don't pretend to have the right recipe for everyone, and apologize if my
> post comes off that way.  I just know all the above has worked for our
> band,
> & we are in our 48th year.
>
> Jim
>
>
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