Jazz for aficionados

Nice interview, and playing by Hall and Metheny. Pat mentioned something that was a recurring answer in Nica's book "Three Wishes". That is, to reconcile what you can do, with, what's in your head. In the book a lot of guys wished they could play what was in their heads.

I don't think I understand that statement. If you can think it or visualize it, what's to keep you from playing it. We are speaking of professional players, of course. Is it a physical thing?

Btw, what ever happened to Gabor Szabo? I have a lot of his stuff on LP.

I have the Metheny and Mays stuff on LP. But he didn't make the cut to CD. Jim Hall did. I think my favorite on guitar is Burrell.

Yesterday while listening to Cannonball, he talks alot on his albums, he mentioned the lack of blues in modern Jazz.

Did anyone notice that Hall wore a tie and Metheny didn't. Just saying. :)

Cheers

Acman3, unfortunately musicians ARE being replaced by computers - have you heard of the new Virtual Orchestra? Absurd? Yes. Unfortunately, it is now a reality. Let us hope most audiences will not accept it in the future, right now that remains to be seen. It is a crying shame that most ballet companies in the US now dance to recordings rather than a live ensemble. Musicians everywhere have been protesting this, usually with the help of the dancers, but so far to very little effect.

Society, especially here in the US, values the arts less and less. Let's make a comparison to athletics. Musicians in the professional orchestras of this country have worked just as long and hard in their training, beginning at just as early of an age, as the professional athletes have, with odds as long of actual success in the field. We also use much weaker muscle groups that have to last for much longer careers. Yet the top athletes make many, many times what the top musicians do. I am a fairly big sports fan (soccer, basketball, tennis, swimming especially), so this is not said to denigrate athletes at all - I just wish that the arts were as appreciated in our society.

****Society, especially here in the US, values the arts less and less******

This is true, but, the U.S. Art world is not blameless for this being the case.

Cheers

****comments like this just encourage him.****

I don't think he needs encouragement, nor do I want to take on that role, but I think that kind of perspective is sorely missing in these discussions.

****you should always carry a card with the phone number of the New York Philharmonic, ****

Well, actually, I do; but, not for that reason.

****let the String section of the NYP not show up for work, and then let the gabarge collectors not show up for work!! See which wheel gets the grease.****

You might be surprised. You can look look up the numbers, but if memory serves, the recent sanitation worker's strikes in NYC lasted considerably longer than the most recent musicians strike, and one that I was involved with, the Broadway musicians strike . Now, I realize you referred to a NYP strike, but keep an eye on the Met Opera's labor/ management issues being dukes out as we "speak"; you just may have an answer very soon; unfortunately.

****Can feel and intuition in music ever be programed?**** - Acman3

Of course not!

****That is, to reconcile what you can do, with, what's in your head. In the book a lot of guys wished they could play what was in their heads.

I don't think I understand that statement. If you can think it or visualize it, what's to keep you from playing it. We are speaking of professional players, of course. Is it a physical thing?****

Remember that old favorite term of yours (mine)? "nuts and bolts" . What it takes to be able to execute what is in a musician's head: impossible to describe dedication, commitment, and years (life-long) of practice; and why they are underpaid. And, BTW, this does not apply only to jazz musicians. A classical player may have a perfectly clear idea of the tone he wants to produce, but there is no substitute for the practice.

****Check out his dress. Does not have anything to do with his playing, but it sure does look disrespectful. ****

I know Metheny; we went to the same conservatory. I assure you that lack of respect for the music or his elders is the last thing he is guilty of.

****This is true, but, the U.S. Art world is not blameless for this being the case.****

Now, things are getting interesting!

Today's Listen:

Roland Kirk -- DOMINO
w/herbie hancock,andrew hill,wynton kelly,roy hanes

This guy is one heck of a Saxophone player. As wonderful as his antics are, he is much more than that.

25 Tracks. A lot of multi takes. Including something called a 'breakdown take'. But all are wonderful. A little chatter after each take. I love that. The last tune, "Time Races with Emit", is 22 seconds in length. hahah You gotta love this guy.

Nice shots of notes on the muscial scores. I think I would enjoy watching these guys rehearse as much as seeing them perform. They say some funny stuff.

Cheers