A few years ago I published some iBooks on the melodic and harmonic nature of early jazz of the 1920s and 30s: Take a look
Despite the stylistic changes that occurred as Hot Jazz developed into Swing, the examples provided demonstrated an underlying unity of approach to the melodic elaboration of harmony, and one which continued within Boogie Woogie, R&B, Rock ‘n Roll, Skiffle and Country music, even if modern jazz took a different route. The Blues remains fundamental to these styles, like a river flowing through changing landscapes.
Recently I came across a book of Jug Band tunes, many of which I didn’t know, but they followed the same principles, which again surfaced from time to time in later pop music, e.g. ‘What a Day for a Daydream’ (Lovin’ Spoonful 1966) and ‘In the Summertime’ (Mungo Jerry 1970).
With this wealth of material in mind, I’ll be exploring the songs from the days of King Oliver to contemporary performance. Of course, the lyrics are an issue for anyone considering performing them today. Misogyny is rife, but there’s no point in turning visceral songs into bland political correctness. Perhaps adapting the lyrics to better suit contemporary attitudes to sex and gender relationships is called for. We’ll see. There are political factors that need addressing, too, in some songs. Again, finding contemporary equivalents with the same relevance is a project worth pursuing.
Instrumentation is another issue. A string band is basic, but keyboard and horns can be added, as well as harmonica, accordion and kazoo. Perhaps a fluid ensemble, with doubling musicians, is a way to keep the approach fresh and open to new ideas.
Here’s a list of some of the songs and tunes I’ll be exploring with fellow musicians over the next months. I’ve included a partial Spotify playlist, which demonstrates a wider range of repertoire and approaches.
| Adam & Eve in the Garden of Eden |
| Bill Bailey |
| Brother Can You Spare a Dime |
| Careless Love |
| Dr Jazz |
| Freight Train |
| Hesitation Blues |
| In the Summertime |
| Just a Closer Walk with Thee |
| Mary Don’t You Weep |
| Rag Mama Rag |
| Sheik of Araby (The) |
| Sing On |
| St James Infirmary |
| Stealin’ Stealin’ |
| Sweet Georgia Brown |
| Walk Right In |
| What a Day for a Daydream |
| When the Saints |
| You Are My Sunshine |
| You May Leave |
Musings on Music and More 