Reviving the classics

What’s the story behind Dixielogy?

Pipe: Dixielogy actually began with a group of musicians joining together under the name of Sprite Nonet. The group consisted of nine members: a vocalist, four horns (alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, trumpet and trombone) and the rhythm section (guitar, piano, bass and drums). We travelled across the country performing jazz in various styles during 2009.

During 2014 and 2015, we began focusing on the Dixieland style of jazz by swapping a few instruments and replacing them with a banjo, clarinet and sousaphone. I remembered it was extremely difficult then — and even now — to find musicians who are skilled at playing these unconventional instruments.

We also had the chance to play for the Bangkok Swing event, where we were lucky enough to perform alongside the super-talented Gunhild Carling. We got to exchange our ideas and shared passion about this early style of jazz music.

After the event, we began our searches for new members again. And finally, the band became what it is today.

Do you have any original work?

Junior: We don’t really have original pieces as of yet, but we’re planning to compose something that we’ll all be very proud to perform in front of our audiences. An album is also in the works.

For someone who is not familiar with jazz, what’s the best way to understand the genre?

Pop: You could begin by listening to songs by renowned jazz vocalists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Sarah Vaughan, which are easier to interpret than instrumental music. Jeng: Personally, I like to think of jazz as an ongoing conversation of calls and responses. If you have the chance, try listening to the music as if the musicians are conversing via instruments and sounds. Honestly, it’s very enjoyable!

What keeps your band together?

Ben: It’s actually a longing for past, remembering and yearning to see what’s behind us. It is about learning about the past for the better future, together as band. Pop: With technologies evolving at such a fast pace, the vintage performance of acoustic instruments gives off a different vibe. It is like drinking coffee with friends, talking and laughing with each other. The more the merrier.

You’ve performed a different events, what has been your favourite and why?

Win: Our favourite would have to be the Thailand International Jazz Conference 2016. The event is considered the biggest jazz festival in the country, with a local and international audience. During the performances, there are some who listen intently and some dancing, having a blast. Seeing people enjoying our music is what makes us happy and encourages us to keep playing.

In an age where your peers are listening to EDM and pop music, were there any challenges in trying to revive something from the early 20th century?

Ben: There are difficulties in preserving the beauty of the classics, as trends and technologies are constantly changing. People are listening to newer kinds of music and finding the vibe to keep the excitement. What’s refreshing to see is that there are also some people out there who really enjoy the classics. In a way, it’s also an experiment to see if we can convey this enjoyment to the newer generations, as well as our own. Perhaps they might even love it if they’re exposed to more music like this.

Where can we catch your next performance?

Win: We will be performing on Mar 15 and Mar 29 at Maggie Choo’s. Come along, we guarantee you’ll have a blast.