A Swiftly Tailored Hope

Welcome, faithful readers! I’ll begin this entry with a confession, followed by a question that I sincerely hope one of you might be able to answer. First, my confession: I do at times enjoy playing for general audiences that aren’t intimately familiar with early American pop music more than I do for the cognoscenti. It isn’t that I feel I have to be more “on my game” with ragtime and jazz fanatics; it’s more that by playing for the largely uninitiated, I’m presenting something that they just might like, thereby creating more people who have an awareness (and desire to hear more) of the music I hold so dear. I take little credit for this. The material is superior, so even an average rendering of it is sure to induce more followers. If you listen to a local dramatic society soprano sing Carmen out-of-tune, you’ll cringe, but if a B-level band stumbles through “High Society” or “That’s a Plenty” the crowd goes wild. Regarding the audiences I play for, I sometimes find that the less one thinks they know about OKOM, the less prejudiced they will be and the more likely they’ll settle back and enjoy the show without comparison, judgment, or note-checking; a happier experience for listener and performer alike! This is not to say that I suggest we performers should try to get away with something; it’s crucial if one is going to put oneself forward to represent
You've read three articles this month! That makes you one of a rare breed, the true jazz fan!

The Syncopated Times is a monthly publication covering traditional jazz, ragtime and swing. We have the best historic content anywhere, and are the only American publication covering artists and bands currently playing Hot Jazz, Vintage Swing, or Ragtime. Our writers are legends themselves, paid to bring you the best coverage possible. Advertising will never be enough to keep these stories coming, we need your SUBSCRIPTION. Get unlimited access for $30 a year or $50 for two.

Not ready to pay for jazz yet? Register a Free Account for two weeks of unlimited access without nags or pop ups.

Already Registered? Log In

If you shouldn't be seeing this because you already logged in try refreshing the page.

Or look at our Subscription Options.