Do you like swing, jazz, music of your Grandmother's life?

[grasswire]

18. I am obliged to clarify

The term "trad" (short for traditional) is today used to describe the bands and musicians who "revived" New Orleans jazz in the latter half of the twentieth century and continue today. And that includes mostly white guys. The roots of trad are the hot jazz bands of the twenties, the West coast revivals such as Lu Watters, the Chicago style such as Eddie Condon, and more. They play and revere Armstrong, Ellington, Kid Ory, Teagarden, W.C. Handy, Waller, Morten, and so so much more.

I have been an officer of several jazz societies, co-produced jazz festivals and events, and been friends with many many of the finest trad jazz musicians, and nary a one owns a seersucker suit to my knowledge.

It is true that a corny interpretation of jazz existed under the name "Dixieland" -- mostly in the 1950s. But not all jazz music played by white guys was/is corny or pale.

But then my interest in jazz ends just prior to Dizzy Gillespie (whom I have heard in concert).