Jazz for aficionados

****This guy was in all types of music. From Classical Orchestras, to the Cuban Army Band. I am sure this background influenced his approach to Jazz. **** - Rok2id re PDR

Bingo!

Paquito's first and most important influence was the music of his native Cuba; not to mention the influence of the culture of that country in general. He came to jazz from that direction, as opposed to the many players who were jazz players first, and later discovered Latin music and incorporated it into their repertoires. There will be a clearly identifiable flavor in the playing of musicians depending on what their primary influence was. It is a little like the accents of the spoken word of people of various nationalities; a person for whom Spanish was their first language will, more than likely, speak English (even if perfect English) with a Spanish accent.

Not only do I agree with Chazro about Paquito being a great player, but I would also point out that he is a very accomplished composer in various genres including chamber music. I bring up the above in order to possibly explain why he is not generally considered one of the greatest; not as a criticism. While I agree about the exuberance that Paquito demonstrates on his first records, this exuberance is more than anything, a reflection of simply who he is; he is a very exuberant individual in general. This exuberance, and the influence of his Latin music background in general are things that are often pointed out by die-hard jazz players as qualities that are questionable. IN GENERAL, Latin players play jazz with a unique, and readily identifiable, swing feel. There is a bit of a "ball rolling down the stairs" feel; they play much more on the front side of the beat than American jazz players who generally play with a more laid back (back of the beat). Please remember that these are generalities and certainly don't apply to all players and all circumstances. Conversely, jazz players generally bring their own unique approach to Latin music; I have been in playing situations where great jazz players had trouble sounding convincing with the unique syncopations of Latin music.

When we talk about who "the best" are, we are setting an extremely high bar. Players like Paquito, Wynton, Eddie Daniels, and others who are extremely competent in a variety of styles and genres deserve their well-earned respect, but it takes something really special to be in "the best" category; IMO.

With a combination like Jon Hendricks, Al Jarreau, George Benson, and Bobby McFerrin doing Miles Davis's music, what's there not to like. It's on order.

Less McCann "Swiss movement" is also on order.

As you know by now, I'm not a "traditionalist", consequently I can live without Wynton; but that's just me.

Chazro, I enjoyed your write up, but the music didn't grab me; and I had to stop and ask "Why not"? Paquito didn't grab for the same reason Wynton doesn't grab me; both are too "stereotypical". I've listened to jazz all of my life, and as soon as someone plays the same phrases I've heard so many times before, I'm gone. Miles realized that a long time ago, which is why he kept re-inventing himself.

Enjoy the music.

I truly appreciate the thoughtful responses about PDR as they've honestly provided food for thought. I've never thought about the comparison between PDR and Wynton Marsalis. While I understand the basis of the comparison, I'd say that a primary difference between the 2 is PDR plays with passion and fire, words I've never heard associated with Marsalis. I'd add that while there are those that feel WM's style to be a little too cool for school (at the Jazzsites I visit just the mention of WM brings out some fierce haters!). I've never subscribed to that train of thought, while not being a big fan of his work, I do own a few of his records. Like I said, after giving it some thought, I'd have to agree the comparison is valid EXCEPT for for those 2 little words; passion & fire. I'm off to my Latin Jazz chatroom with a new subject line comparing PDR with WM, thx for input!

Frogman:

I have a question. I don't know if it's legit, or just my imagination. But if I hear a trumpet playing Mexican Music, just a note or two, I can tell immediately that's it's Mexican music. Not because I recognize the music, but just by the sound / tone of the trumpet. I think this might be true of some other genres as well.

Does this make any sense? If it does, what is the musical explanation for this. Talk about it.

Thanks
Cheers

It is definitely NOT your imagination. Mariachi trumpet players have some very distinctive characteristics s in their playing; in fact, there is a "Mariachi school" of trumpet playing. This style is studied by those players just as the classical and jazz styles are; although, in fairness, there is arguably less complexity (if not subtlety) in that style.

The most distinctive aspect of this style is the use of very fast, but very wide, vibrato; much wider than than used by most jazz or classical players. There is also a very unique and "punchy" way of articulating notes. Articulation is the way that the note is started, usually by the use of the tongue. Mariachi trumpet usually "hits" the note with the tongue in a more aggressive way than in jazz; and certainly more than in classical, where a greater level of finesse in articulation is appropriate. Notice that I said "appropriate"; this lesser level of finesse is not necessarily a deficiency on the part of the players' technique, and is used to fit the style. Interestingly, studies have been done (and this has relevance to audio) that show that recorded players' tones (any instrument) are very difficult to distinguish from each other if you remove the initial attack of the note (articulation/"leading edge" in audio).

More subtle points are preference for a brighter/brassier tone than in other styles, and a tendency to play on the high side of the pitch. Just as with rhythm where some players play on the front or back side of the beat, some players play a little on the sharp side of perfect intonation as opposed to on the low side of the pitch (many jazz players). In jazz, playing on the low side of the pitch can highlight a "bluesy" sound. In Mariachi, playing on the high side of pitch gives the sound extra brilliance. These can be subtle deviations from perfect intonation and not necessarily identified as being out of tune.

Viva Zapata!