The problem is that there is a big class issue. While Elvis quickly and financially transcended Memphis (whose Jazz scene was not that contemporary, I would wager), most Rockabilly was pretty rural stuff. The big names on Capital and RCA whose background was in country were probably more influenced by Western Swing. Western Swing (and what some folks call "hillbilly bop") has a lot of Jazz influence. The solos on Bob Wills and Milton Brown records can be downright swinging. I'd recommend listening to Speedy West and Jimmy Bryant, two HOT HOT HOT session guitarists who blended jazz, country, bop, western swing influences with exotica and a whole mess. It's instrumental, 50s and great. Hank Garland was a country guitarist who was very jazz influenced...all those guys, esp. the pickers, loved Django. matt ----- Original Message ----- From: "Tosh" <tosh3@earthlink.net> To: <zorn-list@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Saturday, June 21, 2003 2:31 AM Subject: Rockabilly meets Jazz
For those of you on the list that has a long memory - you can gather I got into 1950's Jazz - and recently got into Rockabilly.
I know Buddy Holly lived in the Village and went to Jazz clubs. I presume to see artists like Monk, Miles, etc. But I wonder if people like Sam Phillips (Sun Records) or even Elvis listened to contemporary (meaning 50's) Jazz? Is there a Rockabilly artist that has Jazz shadings or visa versa?
It seems unlikely by reading bios on Elvis - but the thought stuck in the back of my head while reading the Buddy Holly bio. Also the late 50's were an amazing time for music. Sinatra was making great recordings, Elvis & the whole Rockabilly scene including Sun Records of course - and Glenn Gould too. In the 60's it seems that one field of artist could meet another - but maybe socially the music scene in the 50's weren't so expansive...if that's the right word.
Anyway it is something I have been thinking about - and would like to hear others comment...if it's even possible!
Best, Tosh -- Tosh Berman TamTam Books http://www.tamtambooks.com
_______________________________________________ zorn-list mailing list zorn-list@mailman.xmission.com To UNSUBSCRIBE or Change Your Subscription Options, go to the webpage below http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/zorn-list