Word: stiff
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Dates: during 1930-1939
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...Stiff" and "relaxed" are two ways of playing Swing. One is termed bad, the other good. What are the two styles, who plays them and why is one better than the other...
...understood that the object of good swing is the creation of musical ideas ad lib that have continuity, simplicity, and sincerity (need we add, originality). Any band style of playing that aids this is therefore good; any that hinders it is bad. In the opinion of most musicians, the "stiff" or "power-house" style hinders the above, and is bad whereas the "relaxed" or "colored lag" style is the very essence of that thing swing...
...which is what and why. About a year and a half ago, Gene Krupa's band made a record called "I Know That You Know" (Brunswick). It was the first record they made, and as a matter of fact, was their first band effort. This record was not only stiff, it suffered from rigor mortis, and here's why: everybody in the band, particularly drummerman Krupa, was playing ahead of the beat. As you play the notes of a melody, it sets up a four-four tempo. Krupa was depending on the ear of the listener, used to hearing four...
Have you ever seen a runner in the last lap, racing for the tape? Doesn't look very happy, does he? And he probably isn't able to think of much else besides getting to the finish. This analogy fits the "stiff" dance band exactly. Guys who play in them are so busy trying to drive ahead and stay ahead of the beat that their ideas become stereotyped, and cold. They can't think of anything decent because in back of them all this time, there is this terrific push that doesn't let them phrase, or even pause...
...present, but he is unlikely to hold the post all year. Two Seniors, Al Richter and Art Page, could probably take his measure if they were in shape, and Bruce Richardson would overpower them all if he could descend to their ranks from his regular 145 class--another stiff reducing job. Dick Thomas. Sophomore scissors expert extraordinary, exponent of the crucifix, Oklahoma ride, etc., will prove to be a mighty tough customer for all comers at 145 pounds...