Jazz for aficionados

In the so-called African dispora, the relationship with African culture and the connection to Africa varies by country. Much more Afro-centric in Brazil. Less so in the caribbean. Most of that, is 'contrived'.

In the US, the African connection does not exist. Some contrived attempts were made during the 60's to 'create' a connection, mainly as a reaction to racism in the US. Also as a show of solidarity during the civil rights movement.

Growing your hair long and wearing a dashiki does not an African make.

I could write a thousand pages, but you guys are smart, you do the math as pertains to the music part. If you have any knowledge of the slave trade in the Americas, you can figure this out.

I stand by all my comments.

The 'Indian' recording? I assume that was a joke. Sounded just a wee bit too polished. Besides you only saw / heard that sort of thing within the village. I was speaking of certain portions of the soundtrack. No chanting, just a full-fledged Western orch playing.

Cheers

O-10:

Your 'rant' on Cuba. Remember the line from the Dylan song: "You don't have to be a weather man to know which way the wind is blowing". I think Raul understands this. I just hope some smart people in Cuba are preparing for the coming change.

Cheers

O-10:

*****In regard to Cuba, I was sitting on my duffel bag awaiting orders to deploy to Florida during the Cuban missile crisis,****

I was learning how 'protect' myself from a nuclear bomb by hiding under my desk at school.:) if I had known you were on duty, I would have felt much better!:)

Cheers

Rok, you completed missed the thrust of what I was saying re the influence of the native music on the "Hollywoodization" of it on soundtracks. Also, interesting that you suggest we "do the math" since math is an important element in the building blocks of any music and is so at a level that goes to the key point you missed. What distinguishes most a native music from a commercialized (Hollywood) version is not wether the music is played on native instruments vs Western orchestral instruments; instead, it is WHAT is played by any of those instruments. In the example I gave it is the use of (among other things) minor pentatonic scales like the Native Americans used. THAT is what gives the music it's unique flavor kore than anything; that's the influence. Similar relationship in the case of jazz. Anyway....

O-10, I agree with much of what you wrote about Cuba; although, in at least one case, for possibly different reasons.

After many years of being a supporter of the embargo I came to support to support the lifting of the embargo several years ago; here's why: The idea that the average Cuban would benefit greatly from the lifting of the embargo is partly a myth. There is no question that there would be some benefit to the average Cuban; but; it is, in fact and as is usually the case in Communist countries, the elite that see the real benefit. Look at the present situation where Cuba has trade relationships with much of the world (except the US) and Cubans still have an incredibly low standard of living. They experience a great deal of hardship, not to mention political oppression. Even medical care is, in spite of the hype, very limited; but, very limited for everyone, unless you have the money (elite). The reason that I came to support the lifting of the embargo is that the move would take away one of the last (possibly the last) excuse that the regime has for why that system does not work; IOW, it would no longer be the US's fault.

There is no question that change will come to Cuba. However, we have been waiting for a change for more years than anyone imagined. Sadly there are many people in power there with a vested interest in the status quo, and a system in place that will make change very difficult and probably not a reality for many years to come.