Jazz for aficionados

Leerfool, and Frogman, did you overlook the post on Stan Kenton; could you comment on the special brass horns especially, and his music in general.

The Frogman:

******Our main area of disagreement is in the absolutism of a comment that you have made several times to the effect that the "public decides who is great". If that were true then how do you explain the popularity of so much music that you, yourself, consider not worthy of respect; all the music's with a prefix?*******

Because more members of the public like it, than don't like it. Or, at least, enough buy it to make it PROFITABLE. I am just one member of the public.

*****there is no glory in ignorance and knowledge does not in any way detract from the emotional appreciation of the music. That is a mistake that those content to remain "ignorant" of the nuts and bolts routinely make; that ignoring the facts somehow leads to a better emotional connection with the music.******

I agree. But it's not my point. Ignorance has nothing to do with it. Neither does knowledge. Music either makes a connection with the listener, or it does not. You can't say, this player's nuts and bolts are better, therefore, you should like his music better. Or that it will/should sell better. It just don't work that way.

******If you understood a little more about the nuts and bolts it would be perfectly clear to you that they are improvising. How on earth would that be a negative? You may still not like the music but it would at least bring you one step closer to acknowledging that it is jazz.*****

This may be true. But I should know that improvisation is taking place, without having to be an expert on nuts and bolts. But, this would not even apply to Goodman or James. Their music was not that complex. David Murray maybe. And I see he has changed his ways lately. :)

*****And BTW, the great jazz players would be the first to admit that jazz really is like a "6 lane highway"; it ALL goes into the stew pot.******

Jazz players are the most political correct people on the planet. They are never critical of anything or anybody. At least not on the record. They all talk that stew pot stuff. The people that ask the questions, KNOW what the answer will be.

Another term for 'The Public' could be, 'The Bottom Line'! As in the bottom line of the financial ledger. It's two different ways of saying the same thing.

The 'Public' or the 'Market Place' decides. Nuts and bolt notwithstanding!

Remember VHS vs Beta-Max?? Same principal.

I think you are looking at this from the perspective of a professional musician. Everything you say about music and Jazz, is absolutely true. I never doubt any of it. Who am I to doubt a pro? It's just, that what you are saying, does not survive contact, with the unwashed, ignorant masses. You know, the folks that buy the LPs, CDs, and tickets. You are talking art, I'm talking business. We are both right.

I am currently 'reviewing' my lastest purchase, 'Tiny Tim Plays Monk". Lord, Lord. I am bloodied, but unbowed!!
Keep the faith baby!

Cheers

Rok, you made me think of one of the worst musical moments in my life. Please don't do it anymore.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQylt3TVFrI

And who could pass on this masterpiece….

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-NwsWuARqo

It's actually a pretty funny record. I was a Brave Combo fan and have this for very special occasions.

Acman3:

Now, I have experienced two of the worst musical moments in my life!!

Cheers