St. Louis Blues versions

I am comparing Djamgo Reinhardt’s version of “St. Louis Blues” to a version of the Original Dixieland Jass Band. It is obvious from the beginning that these two versions are very different. In the beginning of Djamgo Reinhardt version, the melody is slow and unstable. It sounds as though Reinhardt is tuning in his instrument before he actually plays the song. This slow melody turns into a more fast pace and more “jazzy”tune. As he carries on and hits the end of the song, he melody becomes much louder and faster than it was in the beginning.

 On the other hand, The Original Dixieland version of the same begins with the sound of the turmpets. It has a more diversed and different sound than the other version. I would suggest that the sound we hear in this verison came from South America because it seems to have a “spicy” flavor. In the middle part of the song, the emotions that are felt by the artists can be felt because of the lyrics we hear. A listener begins to her several different trumpets. However, at the same time, it is clear who is the soloist and who is following the rhythms. 

Comments

[LeslieChavez]

Svetlana –

Good description of the melody you heard. If you wanted to write an essay on this topic I would encourage you to explore the musical aspects of the song a bit further. What is the role of improvisation in the melody you hear and in the “following rhythms” in the original Dixieland Band version? Look further into the way the instruments are arranged and layered. Also, you could explain a little bit more about how the melody makes you feel. I’m glad that you associated The Original Dixieland Band version with a “spicy” flavor. Latin culture is one of jazz’s many influences. You could go further and reference Carney’s article regarding jazz’s dynamic background in cultures.

[BettyYee]

Overall I too thought the the songs had more differences than similarities. When I heard Reinhardt's version of the song, to me it sounded like he was at home playing the guitar for fun with his friends, while ODJB's version sounded more like an actual recording. I like how you said you heard a "spicy" flavor in OBJB's version. I would like to hear more about why you think this is so.

[MonicaDeeb]

Here is some more to consider:

A variety of components in a recording contribute to the mood that it creates. One recording can have a completely different feeling from another recording with the same general tune and lyrics. How do certain aspects of a song such as pitch, tempo, instruments used and the way the instruments converse with one another affect the emotion of a recording? What musical techniques and instruments do you personally think are connotative of an upbeat recording? What musical techniques and instruments do you personally think are connotative of a sorrowful recording?

Here are some posts that will help you in a discussion regarding jazz and the emotion it arouses.

Christopher thinks Sidney Bechet’s version of “St. Louis Blues” is depressing due to the “slow tempo and deep pitches of many of the instruments.”
http://bencarson.squarespace.com/2-new-orleans-songs/author/christopherthien

Melody thinks Bechet’s musical style “evokes a feeling of soul and up-beat happiness.”
http://bencarson.squarespace.com/2-new-orleans-songs/author/melodymcclure

You don’t have to limit yourself strictly to these questions, feel free to raise any other points that you find interesting and discuss them with each other.

-T.A. Monica

[NiaJones]

Betty, I agree that there are definatley more differences than similarities even though they are technically reproductons of the same song. I think the different sounds can be attributed not only to the time period--almost 20 years apart--but also to where the bands themselves are from. Reinhart, who was from Europe brought a different new aspect to the jazz era, whereas ODJB is a country band centered in New Orleans. ...It's just something to think about.