Jazz for aficionados

Orpheus said,

"Seriously, did anyone try and focus on McCoy Tyner, and Elvin Jones when listening to MFT, by Trane. I promise you will hear it differently."

In the many, many times I've listened to this cut I've focused, (besides on Coltrane and the "group"), Elvin and Davis, Davis and Tyner, Davis and Coltrane, Coltrane and Elvin, etc.

This one tune helped me considerably in developing a better sense of time.  Which, as a percussionist is kind of important.  If you're a musician, (even a hack like me) if you don't have a good sense of time you will suck.

I still love both versions.  If I had to sum it up I would say that Coltrane's version opened up and helped develop my sense of time while Meldau’s version opened up and helped develop my sense of expression.

Both are important.

-- Bob

PS - Has no one watched "The Drummer" short I posted? 

jzzmusician, words cannot express how significant, and a surprise, it was watching "The Drummer".  The drummer in "The Drummer" is none other than Dave Ratajczek, an old friend and colleague.  Our career paths took us in very different directions and as a result I would see Dave about once every year or two and I am sorry that I was not aware of the video's existence.  I am far more sorry to report that Dave passed away a mere few months ago leaving behind a beautiful family. The last time I saw Dave was on a performance with the NY Phil of Bernstein's "Symphonic Dances From West Side Story" only three weeks before he passed; he was playing set.  The first time was on the Broadway show "City Of Angels" which gave birth to the infamous Rat/Fink rhythm section pairing of Dave and David Fink on bass; they were very in demand as a pair and had a special synergy together. Dave was known for being a very sensitive drummer and especially liked by vocalists for his touch and because he never played too loud.  He could play any style at the highest level. 

The video is very accurate in portraying what a working drummer trying to make it in NYC is like; a tough thing.  It is very indicative of what Dave probably went through coming up in the scene.  It should be pointed out that Dave achieved a great deal of success and was very in demand, although the weird gigs, as you know, never disappear entirely.  Killer drummer, great guy (and pretty good actor; news to me) .  Thanks for posting this.

****Can a solo performer compete at creating musical emotion and expression cpmpared to a group?****

Of course it can.  Apples and oranges.  Is Horowits playing a Beethoven piano sonata less capable of musical and expression than the Berlin Phil playing "Eroica"?  Is it lesser music?  Of course not.  The symphony may be on a grander scale, but is the sonata lesser music?  In fact, the solo artist in jazz or classical faces a bigger challenge; that is one of the things that makes Mehldau's performance so amazing. 

I did watch 'The Drummer'.   As The Frogman said, it's a tough life.  I enjoyed it.   I wish it had been developed more and lasted longer.

I really liked the mature chick on the dance floor.

Cheers

***** Of course it can*****

Well Brad Mehldau didn't.  And I didn't say a solo performance was less music.

Example:   I have Evgeny Kissin playing Pictures at an Exhibition.   Solo piano.  The first time I had heard it done like this.   Blew my mind.   Fantastic.

I also have Reiner / Chicago doing 'Pictures'.   No comparison.   The Great gate at Kiev?   You can see/feel it opening on the Chicago disc.

Both were very good, but the piece is better realized with a full orchestra.

***** In fact, the solo artist in jazz or classical faces a bigger challenge; *****

He does indeed, and sometimes the challenge cannot be met.  Take the short film we just saw.

Cheers