Jazz for aficionados

pjw, one of the many interesting things about Bill Evans and his playing is that he, by his own admission, didn’t feel as comfortable in a solo piano setting as he did in a trio or other setting. If one thinks about it, it is not really that surprising given his overall personality and shy demeanor. However, his solo recordings are great also; even if generally not as highly regarded as his trio recordings. I have never heard a performance by Evans that I didn’t like, but I admit my very favorites are those with Scott La Faro and Paul Motian.

I have all his solo recordings and enjoy them all. My very favorite is the 1963 recording “Solo Sessions, Vol. 2”. There is something intensely personal about the playing on this record. He was struggling with his drug addiction during this time and I find something very poignant in his playing’s attitude. The usual beauty and gentleness is there, and more; even if there are moments when he doesn’t seem as focused. For something unusual, and technically “solo”, you can try “Conversations With Myself” on which he overdubs and has....conversations with himself. It may sound gimmicky, but it’s pretty brilliant. Not quite “solo”, but if you don’t know it, check out his duo recording with Jim Hall, “Undercurrent”. Fantastic record.

https://youtu.be/Nv2GgV34qIg

Cohen concert....

I can speak only about my feelings and thoughts while listening to him and his music and while doing so, I remebered some of discussions that were written on these pages as well.

Its Frogman that often spoke about 'leaving yor comfort zone' when we had themes and arguings here about 'old' vs 'new' jazz...

So, when I heard that concert I often thought how his music does not sond like anything I am used to listen.
Yes, its a trio and yes, they play tight, very controlled, almost immaculate,with great skill, nothing can be said there.Even their improvisations seemed to be very much rehersaled before, there is not a hint to any hesitation in execution.

The music that they play does not reach to blues or soul idiom, it is of different origin as well as his phrasing.

However, all that got me thinking about that (mine) 'comfort zone'. Or better, can we define why we like something or not? We can certainly define what we like and decribe it, but why, it just might be little harder.

For me, one of the most positive and interesting things that can happen over the course of a thread like this is that one can develop a sense for the musical sensibilities of some of the other contributors. We all have personal preferences and can even disagree at times while respecting those preferences. I mean this comment in the most positive and complimentary light and if I am being presumptuous I apologize; but I wanted to share. As I read Alex’s interesting and insightful comments about the Cohen concert I kept thinking that they were almost exactly as I expected they would be.

Alex asks some very interesting questions.

**** The music that they play does not reach to blues or soul idiom, it is of different origin as well as his phrasing. ****

Exactly!

...nsp, good for you that you did not take that bet...

Very interesting theme, brought by alex. And pure coincidence, I was reading some articles about leaving the comfort zone precisely yesterday. One of my favorite theme.

How much we can change or stretch our field of interest or personal taste in music, movies, literature, relationships, etc...once we reach certain level (one learns as long as one lives but still and over the years, one can hardly change that often and that significantly...)

If we do change, what drives the change?

I recently watched a movie when woman, being asked to explain her affection to a certain man, says: He is not my type but in a time he got closer to my heart. 

Is that's it? Can we learn to like anything or anybody if we just allow ourselves to like? If yes, what really counts at the end?  And what happens with our previously created preferences? Do they melt in the process, do we lose eventually our individuality - something that makes are specific - because if you like everything and everbody, what will make you different from another person that does the same?

Lot's of questions. If on the beginning there was a light, at the end will be definitely a question. 

p.s.
’Just one more thing.’
To make things simpler and life easier...regarding the Cohen, the man is obviously good but I simply do not feel the same when listenin’ Cohen in comparison to Bill Evans for instance. I would have to make an effort and learn to love Cohen. Being too old and too lazy for the process, will just choose to enjoy the Evans. I am terrible in embracing the new stuff. Evans hit the right spot from the moment I first heard his music.

...so by simplifying the things, I might have even found few answers to some of my questions but it still rings:

why?