Posted by Matt on July 09, 2001 at 14:14:25:
In Reply to: New Orleans posted by Matt Boucher on July 03, 2001 at 11:24:11:
Thanks for all the comments, guys. I appreciate your insights. After a careful read, I did come accross as a little naive about playing dixieland in New Orleans. It appeared that I wanted to learn how to play dixieland by reading a book. I just wanted to clear up any confusion. That is not how I feel about dixieland at all. The only way to learn how to play it is to play it, not to practice songs by yourself. But to progress beyond the original stage of knowing how to play it to the next stage of being able to play it well, a very focused ear is required. You must listen not only to your fellow players but also to recordings and live performances for inspiration and guidance. Belive me, I did not forego these vital steps in learning how to play dixieland. In looking for a book, I was merely looking to broaden my repertoire, not learn how to play dixieland. I simply saved your ears from my boring philisophies until it was assumed by others that I had none.