By Women in Jazz SwanseaJazz Bands and Political Campaigns 1920s
Marching jazz bands became popular during the 1926 miners campaigns for better pay and conditions. Although the bands didn't actually play jazz, they were inspired by the popular music of the first jazz age, adapting the music for local need. Playing kazoos, drums, brass and any other portable instruments available, they were a loud and visible means of raising funds for soup kitchens during the strike. The 'Victorian Coon Band' from Victoria Street blacked up in burnt cork for authenticity. Women formed their own bands such as The Ladies Jazz Band from Abercynon. When not campaigning, bands competed at competition, such as these from the Rhondda: Maerdy Harem Band, Gelli Toreadors, Cwmparc Gondoliers, and Treorchy Zulus. The Alexandra Deaths Head Orphans wore skeleton bodypaint (and shorts). The 'Victorian Coon Band' sent competition results back home via homing pigeon. Today, marching jazz bands are popular with youngsters and continue to be part of carnival entertainment and local events.
With thanks to Cynon Valley Museum and Gallery, Aberdare
Racial Discrimination - 'The Devils Music' - 1920s
Black British jazzwomen had to contend with discrimination on grounds of ethnicity as well as their gender. The Musicians Union refused to allow its members to share orchestra pits with black musicians, therefore black musicians could not be members. Freud wrote that black women had an aptitude for prostitution and were in the grip of the lower senses, hence their attraction to lively colours, music and sexual relationships. Dr. Farnell, Rector of Exeter College, Oxford University, wrote in the Daily Chronicle: "Nigger music comes from the Devil.... our civilisation was threatened by our Americanisms and jazz music. Do not take your music from America or from the niggers, take it from God, the source of all good music."
The Swansea press fuelled controversy with comments on "immodest and immoral dances of the Negroes..."
.... and Jews: In 1923 a Swansea Magistrate Mr. J. W. Jones described dancers as 'Jewish' and accused them of "dirty dancing... doing the shimmy scantily dressed... and immoral women attended".
There was uproar in the local press.
Swansea Fascists held a fundraising dance at the Patti Pavilion, 2nd February 1926 with 200 attending, dancing to The Orpheans and Blue Havanas. A month later Swansea Fascists held a Carnival Ball at the Patti Pavilion with the same bands.
To contact Jen Wilson or Jane Miton at Women In Jazz you can email them at:
enquiries@womeninjazzswansea.org.uk.
