Jazz and Cartoons

So I am planning my wedding, which is coming up in a about six weeks. I am in the process of choosing music to play during the reception. I want a nice eclectic mix of genres going back to 1920's jazz...the best time to be a jazz fan. This was when recording tracks was a new thing for those talented gents living in Harlem, New Orleans, Kansas City and Chicago and songs only lasted three minutes tops. All the while they were putting on the night shows I can only dream about. This, like alot of other types of music, was in its prime because it has not yet caught on and become mainstream. Swing was still ten years down the road and America was booming and jumping. The country was not yet the big, tough body builder that hangs out in the gym way too much and picks fights with people he does not even know.

I wish I could have seen Harlem in those times. Though the country was heavily segregated ARFICAN-Americans had their own local flavour and their little world just north of Central Park. I can see people as real cartoon characters. After all, motion picture cartoons came from times like these. Walt Disney hadn't sold out yet and was making some awesome shorts like the famous Steamboat Willie. Mickey is whistling, shaking his little mouse butt, playing dead animals as musical instruments...you know, having a good old time.

So, after all this, all I can hope is that this music that I am playing at my wedding brings out the best in people. If you have ever listened to the earliest music from Duke Ellington, Fats Waller, Louis Armstrong or Jelly Roll Morton you will know what I am talking about. I may be getting too excited and letting my imagination get the best of me, but I am a dreamer. If this wedding reception even comes close to the vibe of the roaring 20's...it will the be the best day of my life thus far.

Here's to Harlem.

BW