Hiwave: Bach was a jazzman, you should know that! He improvised as much or more than any classical player. It doesn't hurt to have a classical training, but it certainly is, and has never been a prerequisite to play jazz. Heck, Wes Montgomery, probably one of the greatest guitar players that ever lived, couldn't even read a lead sheet! Sure, there have been some great players that were classically trained; Oscar Peterson, Art Tatum, to name but a few, but even they saw the light, and switched. Your argument is nothing does nothing more than support my position, which last time I checked, was merely a suggestion that someone not make a blanket statement about jazz without qualifying it, or in the very least, their reasons for calling it jerky. And no, jazz players are not imitating anyone. A great jazz player only channels what he/she hears. What performances have you been listening to? Ever hear an artist duplicate his/her solo? It's all about being in the moment. Once the moment has ended, it is gone. If imitation exists, it exists in the classical genre, not jazz. Anyone can train themselves to play a piece of sheet music. But can that same person improvise?
Dekay: No offense man. I didn't infer anything. You presumed what I said was an inference. I merely suggested that someone qualify their statements if they're going to make a blanket statement. BTW...I never weedle.
Garfish: I would be the last one to tell anyone what they should be listening to. To the contrary, the point is that folks should be listening to everything. I do. If the "jerky" comment hadn't been made, I'd not have been compelled to begin this thread. But it was made, and I began the thread to enlighten anyone who is willing to listen, that truth be told, jazz is the most technically challenging music. You may not understand it, but that's for them to discover. No one suggested what someone should be listening to...except you. :)
Doug: I've been an Audiogon member since week one. I didn't need to read 3000 comments to begin a thread suggesting that perhaps folks should investigate before closing their minds. Personally, I appreciate all forms of music. But, it's obvious yes, I dig jazz. You yourself suggest that this forum is all about enjoying all types of music. So, having said that, why would read more into my initiation of this thread other than to enlighten an obviously unacquainted person about jazz? Or, have I misinterpreted your post as you've undoubtedly misinterpreted mine?
Sugarbrie: There can be no true documentary about the history of jazz, without the mention of slavery, bigotry, prejudice. Don't let that turn you off man. You just might learn something!
Frogman: Nice to see someone actually gets it! Many don't!
Enjoy all! coltrane1
