 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: john gibson
Date: 2005-03-04 19:32
......is coming to phoenix on the 26th of march. Anyone seen them? Worth going to? Or is it just a bunch of old guys fulfilling their fantasy of being BIG BAND stars? I'd like to go, but.....don't want to just hear a er-hash from some wanna be's.
JG....the clarinator
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Author: GBK
Date: 2005-03-04 19:51
Actually, they are excellent. Dick Johnson plays Artie's solos faithfully...GBK
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Author: john gibson
Date: 2005-03-04 20:07
Well then GBK....guess I'd better get my ticket before the "blue hairs" beat me to it. So this guy Johnson is pretty good, eh?
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Author: saxlite
Date: 2005-03-04 21:06
I caught this "ghost " band a few years ago, and was completely knocked out by their excellence. Dick Johnson recreates Artie's solos flawlessly, and the band is a mixture of great oldtimers and some hot young kids. The arrangements are particularly interesting- I heard sax section tone colors that I have not heard anywhere else- as an aspiring arranger, I wish I knew how they were voiced! If you like the great old big band style, by all means GO!!!!!
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Author: hans
Date: 2005-03-05 02:27
john,
If you get a chance, please ask them to go to Toronto or Hamilton (Ontario).
I would also be interested in knowing if they have been recorded.
Thanks.
Hans
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Author: ken
Date: 2005-03-07 01:12
I've definitely got my head in a hole lately. I hadn't heard of Mr. Johnson but have wanted for YEARS to emulate and pay tribute to my idol in the form of an entire Pete Fountain "impersonation act" (ala Elvis), complete with note-for-note lifts of arrangements and solos of repertoire standards, shaved head, goatee, gold keys, and 50-60s suits, etc from pics right off his old album covers. Good part is, I already blow a crystal, wouldn't need a tie-around pillow for the gut and can fake Dixieland and the trad like the dickens!
Ironically, (and many of us have cheated even to a miniscule degree) on my 2002 USAF Band recording of "High Society" I surgically interjected Pete signature licks to impart a touch of authenticity and nostalgia. I can still recall that nagging feeling of guilt regurgitating anothers ideas.
Interesting observation, Mr. Johnson in his forum is faithfully re-creating Artie's solos and not derided as a rip-off artist. I can only envision myself, living out my pipe dream and being served a subpoena right on stage, sued within an inch of my life, charged with intellectual plagiarism; and the shame of it all with Pete still alive and performing. LMAO. v/r Ken
Post Edited (2005-03-07 01:21)
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Author: GBK
Date: 2005-03-07 01:17
Ken...Having heard you play, I'm sure Pete would be flattered by your tribute...GBK
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Author: hans
Date: 2005-03-07 02:15
ken,
Re: "intellectual plagiarism", I don't think that would the case with Dick Johnson; I understand that Artie wanted someone to replace himself in every way, playing the same solos, etc., so that Johnson has permission for his intellectual plagiarism.
Regards,
Hans
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2005-03-07 02:22
I wouldn't think it'd be considered it intellectual plagiarism unless he is trying to pass it off as the "Dick Johanson Orchestra".
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: Guido
Date: 2005-03-07 22:53
Frankly, I wouldn't miss any opportunity to catch Johnson and crew --- superb musicianship, faithful to Artie's wishes and attention to detail --- and you'll sit surrounded by woodwind faithfuls of several generations.
At a show in NH (small state in the Northeast), the audience represented the best of reed fellows and frauleins from several generations. In truth, the audience likely upstaged a stunning performance by Dick et al --- only in deference to the myriad lifetimes spent in performance. It was an OSCAR night of clarinetists in the area; a spectacle not to be missed in itself.
Johnson is a grandmaster; a wizard of Artie's tunes. Catch him while you can, for this too shall pass.
Cheers!
Guido
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Author: hans
Date: 2005-03-08 00:23
I don't understand why they don't advertise their playing itinerary....
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Author: ken
Date: 2005-03-08 03:17
hans wrote: "Re: "intellectual plagiarism", I don't think that would the case with Dick Johnson; I understand that Artie wanted someone to replace himself in every way, playing the same solos, etc., so that Johnson has permission for his intellectual plagiarism."
--I confess I thought about doing it too! Plagiarism can be defined as the willful pilfering of another's idea and calling it their own. Yet, I believe we as paying consumers and jazz devotees must be cautious giving a free pass to a music "impersonator", irrespective of a sincere desire to resurrect a culture, lost time and paying homage to a clarinet genius … in my humble view, Johnson loosely operates under a bootlegging banner despite a mutually-agreed pact. If I say to you, "you can copy my solos and arrangements note-for-note strictly because they are my intellectual property and I wish it", that is questionable motive, at best. I recall vividly (on this website) offering to share a college paper with a student and was eaten alive by resident law experts. A wink and nod, and passing of the baton doesn't ethically or legally justify the means, in my circles, we call it, "fake popcorn" … un-jazz improv. Artie Shaw and his music (to me) was and IS the Stonehenge of the Swing Era. Yes, "repertoire" solos are compositional and improvisational landmarks, "extended quotes"; they are statements, fanfares, memory triggers, picture painters, but not entire tunes.
I've worked with myriad players who gigged in the Rich, Dorsey(s), Hermann and Miller ghost bands. Excluding bedrock standards, i.e., Moonlight Serenade, In the Mood, Tuxedo Junction, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, I'm getting Sentimental etc. (charts where published editions have written or cued improv) solos were NOT to be lifted note-for-note. I certainly understand the longing for nostalgia, revisiting the past, recalling pleasant and unpleasant memories, forgetting our life problems for a awhile, but I cry bull****. May I suggest a pair of specs, braided marching band uniform with spats, call your self Keith Brian and start conducting The Thunderer. v/r Ken
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Author: Neil B
Date: 2005-03-08 05:03
>Anyone seen them? Worth going to? Or is it just a bunch of old guys >fulfilling their fantasy of being BIG BAND stars? I'd like to go, but.....don't >want to just hear a er-hash from some wanna be's.
Dick Johnson is a terrific clarinet, (and sax) player and the band is NOT just a ghost band playing all the old, stock arrangments. In fact when Artie hand picked Dick to lead the new Shaw orchestra, he insisted that it would not be another ghost/road band just playing the old arrangements! Yes they do usually play some of the Shaw classics, but also play new/current arrangements and are constantly adding arrangements. Two of my favorites from when I toured with the band were the Gershwin medley and an arrangement of Bill Evans' Waltz for Debbie.
I don't really remember Dick playing any of Artie's solos note for note. He generally encouraged everyone in the band to solo in their own style.
The players were/are not old "wanna be's", but usually good jazz players from some of the top university jazz programs.
I don't believe they tour that often anymore, so I would certainly see them if you have a chance.
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