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I don’t know about you, but I believe that traditional jazz — that is, jazz in its original tradition — is the best party and wedding music around.
Put simply, traditional jazz helps people feel good.
Let me explain.
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Here we are recently, creating an elegant background for a very upscale reception at the San Jose Museum of Art.
This event was an exclusive private viewing of “The Prints of Andy Warhol”, and it demonstrated how art inspires a unique event setting. An exciting evening, and the guests enjoyed a wonderful time.
It was a truly spectacular evening, and we were honored to be one of 16 top event professionals involved. Thanks to Chung Li, an outstanding wedding photographer, for this striking picture.
Whenever we play at posh events like this, I’m always reminded of the humbler origins of jazz music.
Traditional jazz isn’t simply a list of old-time tunes or a virtuoso performance you’ll hear in a concert hall. These days a hundred different musical styles call themselves jazz, but the original tradition of jazz music was taking all their favorite music and “playing pretty for the people”.
That’s how the original New Orleans pioneers described their music. Later on others described it as “functional music” or “social lubrication”. It was woven into the fabric of their life, always setting the perfect atmosphere for nearly any get-together.
Of course I wasn’t in New Orleans around 1895. I’m told the men who created the first music we’d call jazz simply added a new rhythmic “twist” to everyone’s popular music of the day. An irresistible impulse. Momentum. They syncopated ragtime tunes, gospel hymns, parade marches, old blues songs, vaudeville show tunes, and old folk songs.
Talk about your “fusion” music!
What emerged was tremendously exciting. People never heard music like this before. They went crazy over it in every social setting you can imagine. In backyard parties, at picnics in the park, aboard riverboat cruises, at memorial gatherings and funerals, and in neighborhood taverns, restaurants, and dance halls.
A generation later this “rough” music found acceptance in more elite circles, and it helped fuel the young broadcasting and recording industries. At first it was just another musical fad, but it had “legs”, as they say these days. Ultimately it expanded to all of today’s jazz styles.
To me, the important feature was that everyone could recognize and enjoy their favorite tunes in this new and exciting music. Long ago, I discovered what the early jazzmen knew all along. That this music was a sure-fire hit for helping social gatherings like weddings and parties come to life.
So today when you catch me playing “traditional jazz” for people, you’ll hear me pepping up their favorite tunes. Whether popular standards or old favorites, the music we play serves dancing, or creates a pleasant background, and usually a little of both.
Traditional jazz always helps people enjoy whatever they’re doing, and I’m pleased to call our music “jazz in the original tradition”.
So here’s a tip for planning the music at your next celebration. Whatever songs you choose, guide your selections according to the original jazz tradition — pep up what your guests know and love.
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Meanwhile, the Magnolia Jazz Band entertains at weddings and parties throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. If you are ever nearby, you’ll love catching us in action, seeing and hearing us create a great mood.
How can I help you? Call 408-245-9120 or use Robbie@MagnoliaJazz.com. Planning a celebration? Ask about our availability.
