Jazz for aficionados

I don't think that Jack Teagarden's relevance in the history of jazz should be considered simply hype. It is true that the titles "King" of this or that were overblown titles, and partially the unfortunate result of the terrible social biases and injustices that were prevalent at the time. Rok is, sadly, correct that it is unlikely that a black jazz player at the time would have been designated "King" of anything by the majority white ($$$) audiences. Nonetheless, it is also true that Benny was responsible for exposing vast audiences to "Swing"; hence the title "King of Swing". Having said that, Teagarden is correctly credited for bringing the trombone to the modern jazz era. He was the transitional link from the traditional supporting role of the trombone in dixieland to the more prominent role as solo instrument in "Swing". The guy could really play and demonstrated a facility on the instrument that must have been considered amazing at the time.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4MlFCDcP2zM

Bottom line for me: Louis Armstrong chose him to play in his band. I doubt that Louis succumbed to hype. Interesting that Teagarden and Benny should be mentioned: Teagarden was a white player in a black band, and Benny Goodman's band was one (maybe first?) racially integrated band with the addition of Lionel Hampton, Charlie Christian and others.

BTW, Learsfool, please post your impressions of Teagarden when you listen to that set. Thanks.

I don't approach jazz from a historical or rational context, I approach it the same way I approach "all" music; from a purely emotional context, either I like it or I don't.

While many of Rok's controversial statements may or may not be true, I consider them irrelevant today; and the same for Frogmans statements in response, except for "BTW, Learsfool, please post your impressions of Teagarden when you listen to that set. Thanks."

Leersfool, I would like very much to know your detailed impression of "Jack Teagarden".

Enjoy the music.

O-10:

**** this is one of Rok's favorite musicians, maybe he'll write his review on it;*****

The best youtube clip on this thread ever!! Outstanding Video and Audio quality. Gene Harris playing Silver? There is nothing more to be said. And he does it all with a smile. Just like Pops.

If a person can see and hear, no review is required! I just checked in this morning to see what had been posted, saw this, and listened to the entire thing twice. Awesome even thru computer logitechs.

I am not familiar with the other player. They seemed to feed off of each other. Good thing too, because if this was in Japan, I am sure it was like playing before the Terrra Cotta soldiers.

Thanks for posting. I will visit it often.

Cheers

******While many of Rok's controversial statements may or may not be true******

All my comments are true and they are not controversial. Facts can never be controversial.

The Thing about Goodman being the 'King' of Jazz is true. There was a backlash, this was beyond the pale, even for the times, so it was changed to 'King' of swing. I guess everyone had to be King of something.

BTW, none of this was Goodman's doing. As I said he did integrate his band at a time when that was a huge risk! I always give him credit for that courage. I think pianist Teddy Wilson was the first.

I have one poster on the wall of my listening room. Ella singing at a club, and Ellington and Goodman at a table together, watching in awe. Love it!

O-10, if you don't see or consider the history in music, you are missing a lot.

Cheers