Big Bedecked was one of the most popular Jazz musicians of the sass’s. He was born Leon Big Bedecked on March 10, 1903 in Davenport, Iowa. His father was a coal and lumber merchant and his mother a church organist. Although he did take lessons for a short time, his teacher grew frustrated with him and his improvisations and refusal to read the music. He learned to play by ear. He was the first great white Jazz cornets. He was inspired by records of the Original Dixieland Jazz Band and by hearing bands on the Mississippi riverboats.
His love for music caused him to be sent way to military school in 1921 because his father thought that music was not a real lob that would earn him respect and money. The school was close to Chicago which at the time was the center of Jazz music. He was kicked out of military school because he often missed curfew due to him being out listening to bands. He Joined his first Jazz band the Wolverines In 1923. Over the years he played with many different Jazz and dance bands. He died from Pneumonia complicated by his alcoholism In 1931.
In both pieces, Louis Armstrong and BIG Bedecked and their instruments are what stand out in the songs. The tempo of the pieces are different with “I’m Coming to Virginia” being the slower tempo of the two. Louis Armstrong normally has a real bright sound. In “The Potato Head Blues” the best way to describe his timbre here is something more “street”. It’s not as refined. You can tell Louis hasn’t had any formal training and is Just raw talent. The bright colors that became his trademark come through vibrantly, but this is a blues chart, after all.
Also, Louis starts all his solos with the same few notes and he has a vibrato all his win. In “I’m Coming to Virginia” Big Bedecked has a timbre that is more classical, to an extent; precise phrasing, exact pitch, etc. Louis’ solo is more in your face, full of excitement, but Big is laid back, dare I say subdued. Chord progression-wise, Big sounds a bit more complex. Both big and Louis solos are extremely complex rhythmically, but they make them sound effortless. As a soloist, Louis Armstrong stands out more, partially because of the instrumentation of his ensemble and partly because of his abilities.
Big, in terms of ensemble, is nothing special. He plays his piece and fades back into obscurity. Louis’ ensembles were called the hot five and hot seven, so I would say he would epitomize hot. Big would be “cool” because he isn’t as in your face with the sound as Louis Armstrong is. Big vs.. Louis By knickknack job that would earn him respect and money. The school was close to Chicago which his first Jazz band the Wolverines in 1923. Over the years he played with many alcoholism in 1931. In both pieces, Louis Armstrong and Big Bedecked and their isn’t as in your face with the sound as Louis Armstrong is.