"To-be-or-not-to-be Jazz Controversy"

Radio Record, Volume VIII, Issue 24, 21 December 1934, Page 6

"To-be-or-not-to-be Jazz Controversy"

To the Editor Sir,-If I-may be permitted ‘to impose further upon your patience in the jazz to-be-or-not-to-be controversy inaugurated by J. D. Parkin, I should just like tv briefly point out that the latter . rather misrepresents the position when refuting my statement that jazz ranked most high on your recent ballot. He neglects to mention the issue of crooning which appeared on your ballot paper as a separate subject, though, incidentally, this'was, to ° my mind, indeed splitting straws, Well, then, add the total ‘votes allotted to crooning to those of dance music (and jazz is the chief form of dance music, to what extent a matter of opinion) -and what have we? Tt also perplexés me to find,.as he says, that I, as well'as "Bing Vallee, " have

"unconsciously supported his complaint as to the superfluity of jazz records," For my part, as I touched upon in my previous letter, I find that the reverse is the case in. radio programmes, inasmuch as to hear a modern fox-trot or waltz:one has of necessity to wait till an inconveniently late hour for there are none at any other sessions but. the "dance" ses- . Sions, excepting the "auxiliaries’" two: or three at tea-time. ‘The inclusion of

just a few of these numbers in other sés-sions-and their musical value in most cases fully equals and often surpasses other light items-would add a bright and an up-to-date touch to the broadcasting service. As for Mr, Parkin’s bold assertion that nobody would discard their radio. set because no jazz was broadcast, well. I can say emphatically that I would dispose of my own were his plea for the abolition of jazz to be complied with, and if thousands of others did not also do so I think most people would be surprised: Mr. Parkin stresses at some length the art value of music. No one ean deny that there is such a thing. _But is that any reason why serious art should mono-' polise the air, if there is a large demand also for another form of entertainment? I am wondering how those of your

readers who enjoy well-rendered jazz as a recreation to the ear, and they bave for company. musicians of world renown, will appreciate Mr, Parkin’s parting shot that "frivolous minds always turn to frivolous music" ?-I am, ete., .

Wellington.

AMUSED