Miles Davis,extreme Jazz and the death of Jazz

The nature of Jazz is to be an evolving, cutting edge type of art form. Thus, it cannot remain in any status-quo for long, and remain true to its nature. I agree with many of the above statements about later Jazz artists. Some are great, like Shorter, Pastorius, Zawinul, Doldinger, groups like Passport, Brand X, Weather Report, etc.. Some are what was called "Fuzak"(fusion muzak?) in one of the posts above. A great description, to whoever coined that one. One of the characteristics of Jazz is that it is out-of-the-mainstream and you have to look for the great artists. Creativity is still alive and kicking.

I am not a jazz scholar either, but would certainly agree that jazz is far past it's golden age, with the 'critical mass' date hovering somewhere around 1974. In recent years, it seems that some interesting stuff has been happening however. This is, of course, overwhelmed by a blanket of overproduced and overmarketed artists and the burden of the 'fuzak' scene to some degree. Some of the folks involved with the AACM collective seem to be producing some intriguing music. I picked up a disc recently by the Ernest Dawkins New Horizons Ensemble that is farily astounding. Henry Threadgill is still producing very innovative music in most of his guises and just about anything that Kahil El'Zabar produces as a solo artist, in collaboration or with the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble is fairly crucial music. I have a few discs that Randy Weston did in the mid to late '90's that are quite excellent as well. If you are into free jazz, there still seems to be quite a bit of activity and vital music in this scene currently happening. It requires careful digging, but it seems that quite a bit is still happening, even if we're not able to strut into the Village Vanguard to witness some of the bop-era greats laying down serious grooves as they did in the days of yore. Suffice to say, I haven't given up hope yet!

By the mid sixties Miles refrained from calling his music jazz. He saw it as a commercial kiss of death. His albums always said "new directions in music". Never ending innovation and constantly challenging your audience is admirable, but I believe it was Carlos Santana who once said, "I want my mother to recognize me when they play me on the radio."

Jazz is probably my favorite music form. Miles Davis one of my favorite musicians. Jazz is not in a "golden age". I wonder if this is due to marketing.Too many players are pushed to the fore front because they are the right age or present the right image. Has MTV contaminated a true American art form? Many of the young artist do have the manners to respect their predecessors but seem to lack the ability to (or are prevented from)presenting their own unique presentation (this is a major component of this art form!). Every once in a while (rarely) I hear no name musicians playing good refreshing new and origianal arrangements. Unfortunately all too rarely. I love the standards, but after thirty years of listening to too much of the same music, no matter how good it is I'm anxious for a fresh idea. Too many Jazz musicians think showing off how well they can play scales is comperable to brilliant improvistation. Another crutch is the plagerizing the licks of others rather than learning to listen and express. Jazz is a highly demanding art form that requires one to innatley undderstand music theory or better yet create their own (such as Parker's Horthology). Another problem with many jazz compostions is the inability to make a complete statement, with a beginning, a middle and this the problem an end. I'm tired of jazz compositions ending with the typical free form jam. Some of the most vile Jazz productions have been "Jazzy" versions of other popular formats. While potentily able to be legtimate forms of art, all too often they come across as the insincere, lazy, money grubbing efforts that they are. moey Many jazz musicians seem to have little respect for their audience. They come ill prepared with out rehearsing using the free form and improvistaional aspects as a lazy excuse for the lack of a professional presentation. I'm tired of paying to see shows that are just fun (sometimes obviously just the opposite) practice/jam sessions. I realize that spontaneity, improvisation and jam sessions are all part of a rich tradition but using these traditions as an excuse for lack of preparation has become abused. Another gripe I have is the use of way too much amplification in small jazz clubs. Why they need it in the first place, I don't know? I think it hurts the art form. The musicians aren't listening to each other as carfully and as such the interplay suffers. Many musicians just seem to be in competion as to who can play louder and as such don't develop the art of using contrasting dynamics. Vocalists are particularly guiltiy of never deveolping their chops. Too often it appears as though the musicians are just patiently waiting to solo with little regard for the piece as a whole. Ther does seem to be some interesting new Afro beat stuff comming along. As it tends to emphazize group more than individual playing maybe it will bring back some of the maturity that seems to have been lost in this art form. Let hope some refreshing stuff comes with it.