This is the first time, after all these years on the 'goN, that I disagree with something that Albert has written. I think that there is value in a thread like this. I think that the expressed opinions say almost as much about the musical tastes and acumen of the writers, as do expressions of likes. Additionally, it can motivate some to reconsider some of their opinions about certain artists.
Sure there is "bias" in how we each process what any given performer brings to the table, but I think it's also important to be able to discern wether our reaction is due to liking or not liking the performer's style, and when the performer just plain sucks; they are two very different things. I would turn the question around and ask what value it serves to be stuck in
a kind of artistic relativism where everything "must" have some value. Not!
I must say I am surprised by some of the nominees, and it proves my previous point. Take Kenny G. We love to knock Kenny G. I think we can all agree that he is not the most inspired improviser of all time; and the tone he produces (on soprano, not on tenor) is hard to take. No, he is not one of "the greats". But, to overlook (or not understand) the fact that the guy has a significant amount of proficiency on the instrument, can phrase, and has reasonably good time is just silly. And to nominate him for "worst ever" just shows a lack of understanding of just how bad other performers are (Britney Spears) who are simply the "product" of producers, and have very little ability.
Sure there is "bias" in how we each process what any given performer brings to the table, but I think it's also important to be able to discern wether our reaction is due to liking or not liking the performer's style, and when the performer just plain sucks; they are two very different things. I would turn the question around and ask what value it serves to be stuck in
a kind of artistic relativism where everything "must" have some value. Not!
I must say I am surprised by some of the nominees, and it proves my previous point. Take Kenny G. We love to knock Kenny G. I think we can all agree that he is not the most inspired improviser of all time; and the tone he produces (on soprano, not on tenor) is hard to take. No, he is not one of "the greats". But, to overlook (or not understand) the fact that the guy has a significant amount of proficiency on the instrument, can phrase, and has reasonably good time is just silly. And to nominate him for "worst ever" just shows a lack of understanding of just how bad other performers are (Britney Spears) who are simply the "product" of producers, and have very little ability.
