It wouldn't jazz but it sure swung. I like that Louisiana gumbo, check out Marcia Ball:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bx8k15FtnXY
Enjoy the music.
Jazz for aficionados
Jazz for aficionados
I'm going to review records in my collection, and you'll be able to decide if they're worthy of your collection. These records are what I consider "must haves" for any jazz aficionado, and would be found in their collections. I wont review any record that's not on CD, nor will I review any record if the CD is markedly inferior. Fortunately, I only found 1 case where the CD was markedly inferior to the record.
Our first album is "Moanin" by Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers. We have Lee Morgan , trumpet; Benney Golson, tenor sax; Bobby Timmons, piano; Jymie merrit, bass; Art Blakey, drums.
The title tune "Moanin" is by Bobby Timmons, it conveys the emotion of the title like no other tune I've ever heard, even better than any words could ever convey. This music pictures a person whose down to his last nickel, and all he can do is "moan".
"Along Came Betty" is a tune by Benny Golson, it reminds me of a Betty I once knew. She was gorgeous with a jazzy personality, and she moved smooth and easy, just like this tune. Somebody find me a time machine! Maybe you knew a Betty.
While the rest of the music is just fine, those are my favorite tunes. Why don't you share your, "must have" jazz albums with us.
Enjoy the music.
I'm going to review records in my collection, and you'll be able to decide if they're worthy of your collection. These records are what I consider "must haves" for any jazz aficionado, and would be found in their collections. I wont review any record that's not on CD, nor will I review any record if the CD is markedly inferior. Fortunately, I only found 1 case where the CD was markedly inferior to the record.
Our first album is "Moanin" by Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers. We have Lee Morgan , trumpet; Benney Golson, tenor sax; Bobby Timmons, piano; Jymie merrit, bass; Art Blakey, drums.
The title tune "Moanin" is by Bobby Timmons, it conveys the emotion of the title like no other tune I've ever heard, even better than any words could ever convey. This music pictures a person whose down to his last nickel, and all he can do is "moan".
"Along Came Betty" is a tune by Benny Golson, it reminds me of a Betty I once knew. She was gorgeous with a jazzy personality, and she moved smooth and easy, just like this tune. Somebody find me a time machine! Maybe you knew a Betty.
While the rest of the music is just fine, those are my favorite tunes. Why don't you share your, "must have" jazz albums with us.
Enjoy the music.
31,496 responses Add your response
Three tenors! Haven't seen that since Woody Herman's band. Distinctive horn section sound due to no alto and tenor heavy. I don't think there is a singer that has more "Nawlins" vibe than this man: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=N4OVqVXvg_Q |
This Louisiana gumbo is catching. Dr. John is Mr."Nawlins"; I like this. Unfortunately, New Orleans is so sad now, in regard to the people who live in the "Jects", that every time I think about New Orleans, I want to break my own rule and and go off on that subject; but let's stick to music, as hard as it is some time. Enjoy the music. |
Now that everyone else has submitted their alternate groove, it's my turn. Not only do I like the music, but this goes deep into that "audiophile" thang; my tweeters are tweetin, and my woofer is woofin, all in high definition. Anna Maria sounds like she's humpin to please on Pat Metheney's "Are You Going With Me" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJLN7_FaN04 On "Wildlife" we run with the gazelles and other fleet footed hoofed animals across the African veldt. (close your eyes and use your imagination on both tunes) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiVk-SDy8cA Enjoy the music. |
John Coltrane -- EVOLUTION:THE ROAD TO GIANT STEPS Four CD box set from the same folks that gave us 'The 100 Best Jazz Tunes of the 1950's' and 'The Best of 1960/61' sets. Excellent packaging. Nice booklet with very interesting info on trane and his career. Good pictures. Excellent info on each tune on the CDs, including player lineup and the album the tune was taken from. The only downside is that, CD #4, is the Coltrane CD, 'Giant Steps'. I would assume EVERY Coltrane fan has that CD. The CD #4 does substitute the alternate takes found on the original 'Giant Steps' CD, with interviews given by Coltrane. Four of them. I guess that's an ok trade. The other three CDs have Trane as leader, and as sideman with a bunch of folks. Miles, Monk, Adderley, Garland, and many more. The sound quality is the same as the previous sets. Which is very good. A must have? A lot of us, including me, have a lot of this music contained in our current Jazz collections. But it's worth it to me to get the nice packaging and the informative notes. Besides, I love well done Jazz complilations, esp box sets. Cheers |
O-10: Both clips were very good. The Yellowjackets are a blast from the past. I have them on the LP, "Samuria Samba". That clip has an African tinge for sure. Pat Metheny clip was good also. I also listened to this one so I could see the band playing. Done in Poland. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUAK02_o9cI The girl is a Fox. The tune seemed unbalanced. It opened with the vocal stuff, then Metheny did his solo, and it ended. Should not the Vocals have come back to close it out? The audience looked like a meeting of the communist central committee. The seating, the hall, and EVERYONE clapping. :) But both were well done. I didn't think Metheny had it in him. I have his LPs of "80/81" and "First Circle". The women were dressed, I guess the guys couldn't get to the cleaners in time to get their suits. :) Thanks Cheers |
Rok, I have 80/81 and Full Circle; didn't think too much of either one. We must have depended on the same reviewer. I noticed we have a lot of the same records that might as well be in the dumpster. I knew a musical genius, who like James Booker was hooked just as bad; that's when no shows get to be a constant thing, and unreliability is not tolerated in the entertainment industry. "Why"? That was a question I never got an answer to. I heard his last live sets and although he'd found what he was striving for musically, it never got recorded. As good as Mr. Booker was, I don't think he quite discovered his "inner self"; that's the one I hear in between the lines. If only he had lived a little longer. Enjoy the music. |
I believe that a really good and worthy goal for any discerning music lover is to be able to truly understand the difference between not liking a particular artist's music and feeling that he "doesn't have it in him"; they are two very different things. It's a tricky thing: how does one acknowledge good artistry while at the same time not liking it? Pat Metheny is a brilliant musician. Clearly, his soft-toned and not-obviously-blues-based concept with its sound-pastiche vibe is not to everyone's liking, but the guy is amazing with his very subtle improvisational ideas and unique sound; even if he doesn't wear a suit :-) I agree with the comments about James Booker. I knew of him and the fact that he had mentored players like Dr. John, but had not heard his recordings. Rok, thanks for the introduction and I am pretty much amazed by what I have heard so far; definitely someone to become more acquainted with. The Yellow Jackets are still going strong and I recommend you give the band another shot. "Samurai Samba" is from an early iteration of the band. Personally, Marc Russo's alto sound with its relentless and almost hyper vibe drives me crazy. The band of the last several years has featured Bob Mintzer on reeds with a very welcome and much more sophisticated and insightful playing style; he is also a wonderful composer and arranger. O-10, you ask a poignant question: "Why?". I suppose it's simply because musicians are people just like anyone else in any walk of life, with personal demons and different capacities to deal with them. Now, add genius to the mix. We would like to think that the type of insight that is a hallmark of genius would help them deal with those demons; but, ironically, it seems that the insight sometimes only serves to give a better look into the whatever torment they must be feeling and not necessarily help them find a way out. Thanks for the clip Acman3; nice. |
*****Rok, I have 80/81 and Full Circle; didn't think too much of either one. We must have depended on the same reviewer. I noticed we have a lot of the same records that might as well be in the dumpster. ****** Whenever I say "I have that on LP", that means it didn't make the cut to CD. I agree about 80/81 and first circle. But mistakes are to be expected as a person finds his way into his proper lane. And understanding reviews, and reviewers is part of the process. Today we make far fewer mistakes. There is so much information and technology available. You can now hear it before you buy, and you can read reviews from real people. And a person just knows more. I look at a list of my LPs and wonder, WTF was I thinking!! Whenever I saw the word JAZZ on a LP, I thought it meant Jazz was being played. Silly me!! LPs for Sale Cheap. Played once!! Crusaders, Claude Bolling, George Duke, Howland Ensemble, Al Di Meola, NY-LA Dream Band, Jean-Pierre Rampal, Lee Ritenour, Stanley Jordan, Gabor Szabo, Weather Report. Some of these were ok at the time. I just moved on. I think I recall reading that James Booker had a mental problem. He was classically trained on piano. He often lapses into the classical world on his albums. Cheers |
I was in China about three months ago. I sat down to a meal with a very food-adventurous colleague at a very interesting restaurant and ordered, at his recommendation, a crazy dish with jellyfish as it's centerpiece. The strange combination of exotic and new-to-me flavors and strange textures were definitely not to my liking. However, there was no question that the chef was a master. The presentation was incredible and the weird flavors had an unmistakably perfect balance, right down to the partnering soup (?) that, as weird as IT tasted, was perfect for the dish. It all screamed: "Only a great chef could do this and there are foodies out there that love this stuff". Not for me 'though. |
I had a similar experience in Korea. Our Commander was also the adventurous type, and liked to take all the Officers on these 'tours' to experience real Korean life. Nothing as upscale as your experience. We started with the street vendors. We began with squid, clams and octopus, then on to fried insects and dog. But the best was yet to come. On another occasion, we went to a sitdown restaurant and we all had soup. That's when I formulated the first law of eating in Asia. Never, never, never, order the soup!!! Still thinking about if you analogy applies to music. :) Cheers |
Wynton Marsalis -- At The Octoroon Balls-String Quartet No.1 I am surprised none of you 'progressive' folks have mentioned this one. I am not sure what this is, but I like it. All the music was composed by Wynton Marsalis. This just adds to Wynton's reputation. The man can do anything musical. Played by the Orion String Quartet. Also included is "A Fiddler's Tale Suite". Sort of Marsalis' version, or his take on Stravinsky's "Soldiers Tale". Wynton plays trumpet on this piece, he does not play on "Octoroon Balls". The complete Fiddler's Tale with narration is available on another Sony Disc. Played by Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. Not for everyone, but how can a Jazz / Classical Aficionado be without it? I feel it's historic. I loved it. Outstanding Sound Quality. Interesting Notes. Check it out. Cheers |
Here are some more alternate grooves. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6i7Sfza2c4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-ebLK-l0jc Enjoy the music. |
O-10: Good reviewers are hard to find. The best source I know of these days in 'The All Music Guide to Jazz'. It's out of print, but there is an internet site. I prefer the book. They can still be had at Amazon or other book sellers online. My favorite reviewer there is Scott Yanow. We seem to be on the same wavelength. I assume all Jazz fans have this book, if not, get it! The most important thing about AMG reviews, is that they state the type of Jazz the artist plays. So a 5-Star rating for a free Jazz album, would not interest me. Also nice short synopsis of each artist. Back in the day I trusted a few guys at 'Stereo Review'. The Amazon reviews can be helpful, if there are enough so that you can seperate the serious from the idiots and the fans. Listened to MJQ last night. "Fontessa" and "Django". Is there better Jazz for late night? They define sophistication! Listening to Wes Montgomery now. "Full House" Live from a small club in Berkeley. With Miles' rhythm section. I have never heard Wes this way. They, the rhythm section, seem to bring out the best in everyone they play with. Remember Art Pepper? Johnny Griffin almost stole the show. Begs the question, was it Miles or his Rhythm Section? :) Cheers |
The theme of what is good or not keeps coming up in different guises; as expected and as it should. Just as with the music itself, what distinguishes a good reviewer from a bad one is not wether he reviews music that we happen to like, but wether he is able to express in words how the music touches him/her; and, to do it in a credible and eloquent way. It's never fair to discredit a reviewer without first making and understanding that distinction; imo. O-10, loved the a Youn Son Nah clip. What a voice! Luscious and very sexy in some very unusual ways; and technically excellent. She straddles a fine line just short of affectation with a nice combination of credibility (when singing in English) and some obviously Asian influences in her vocal inflections and overall sensibility. When I first listened to the clip one of the things that came to mind was "her intonation and accuracy are so good that she probably did many different takes and used some editing to get a good complete version". Nope, she can really do it!: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=t2Kki-mx7uw Anyone familiar with the folk music of that part of the world will hear that influence in this performance. I think it's amazing, if perhaps an acquired taste for some: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dVehcCuwZeA "Alternate groove" indeed; and a good one. Thanks for sharing. |
The theme of what is good or not keeps coming up in different guises; as expected and as it should. Just as with the music itself, what distinguishes a good reviewer from a bad one is not wether he reviews music that we happen to like, but wether he is able to express in words how the music touches him/her; and, to do it in a credible and eloquent way. It's never fair to discredit a reviewer without first making and understanding that distinction; imo. O-10, loved the a Youn Son Nah clip. What a voice! Luscious and very sexy in some very unusual ways; and technically excellent. She straddles a fine line just short of affectation with a nice combination of credibility (when singing in English) and some obviously Asian influences in her vocal inflections and overall sensibility. When I first listened to the clip one of the things that came to mind was "her intonation and accuracy are so good that she probably did many different takes and used some editing to get a good complete version". Nope, she can really do it!: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=t2Kki-mx7uw Anyone familiar with the folk music of that part of the world will hear that influence in this performance. I think it's amazing, if perhaps an acquired taste for some: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dVehcCuwZeA "Alternate groove" indeed; and a good one. Thanks for sharing. |
Frogman, your musical observations are most astute. As you pointed out, she did many takes before she selected the one that's on CD, which was the best one; although the alternate takes were quite interesting as well. My PC is on the fritz, but I'll try to post on a friend's machine. Enjoy the music. |
****what distinguishes a good reviewer from a bad one is not wether he reviews music that we happen to like, but wether he is able to express in words how the music touches him/her; and, to do it in a credible and eloquent way***** This is true, but from a personal point of view, it's more important that the reviewer's taste and musical sensibilities coincide with those of the reader and are demonstrated to be consistent over time. Cheers |
Youn Sun Nah. Amazing ability with her voice. I found Koreans to be very passionate and soulful people. They love to sing. In 1976 during my first tour there, a then current hit song, sung by a Korean woman, is the most beautiful song I have heard to this day. Have no idea who she was, or what the song was about. I listened to it several times, almost daily, for 15 months. If Jazz ever comes out of Asia, it will be Korean! Cheers |
****it's more important that the reviewer's taste and musical sensibilities coincide with those of the reader and are demonstrated to be consistent over time.**** Exactly right. Re Korea: When in Asia recently, Korea was one of the stops. It was absolutely amazing how modernized Korea was. There was a sense that the country was running on all cylinders and going full speed ahead; a force to be reckoned with and very impressive. Re jazz and Asia: soloist on part of the tour was the very impressive Makoto Ozone. Fantastic jazz pianist also at home in the Classical arena: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=G22GY6JhZQI&list=PLj0AGSl1lDjNTsQlpKBfkh7v7FPw2SDLc This is part of a repeat of one of the Asia tour programs back in NYC (hint: there is a frog in the orchestra :-) : https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=BxowOVIdnR0&list=PLj0AGSl1lDjNTsQlpKBfkh7v7FPw2SDLc |
It's unfortunate that any success he had came so late. http://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/jun/14/jimmy-scott-five-great-performances-jazz-legend Enjoy the music. |
O-10: Computers don't go on the fritz these days. Don't you think it's time to 'upgrade' from that Commodore 64? Could not click away from this. Just goes to show that you guys don't have to run all over asia to find new stuff. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAVEuYk5qiw Better http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQGDEhgu-7E Mo' Better http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FReGLY2lLuY Even mo' mo' better http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAU5QSYmUsk Cheers |
Rock, I needed a new "motherboard"; it didn't cost much, but the labor was a "mother". Everything's feminist now days, why couldn't it have been a "Father board". Regina Carter has really blossomed; I have a CD by her that I'm not too fond of, now she can join every jazz artist who ever lived, but on the serious side, I really like this, I must have the CD. Although my computer is still being worked on, I can post; replacement is not an option when you become a "PC Audiophile". I know that sounds "snobbish" but so be it. I'm glad you posted this, now she's back on my A- List, or should I say A+ list; I liked what to me is the "new" Regina Carter, her jazz sensibilities make her sound like an old pro, which she is when I compare what I hear now to that old CD. I gave her 4 and 3/4 stars, no one gets 5, although I enjoyed every last note of each posting. Enjoy the music. |
Don't like these? Git outta Jazz!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jDDtUFUgbM Bey Sisters SMOOTH SAILING http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVrB0TqRkEU Bey sisters LOVE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCwWOEEvOjY TASTE OF HONEY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNR0iLw92Gc&index=14&list=PLV6hME6DzFRSZy8PSXolDVKeWbcye7dLg THE THRILL IS GONE Cheers |
Rok, could you post what CD's these cuts are from. She compliments the musicians she's playing with so well that they sound better; that's the sign of an old pro who's still young. Regina has also acquired an old mellow sound on her instrument that reminds me of somebody; I'm sure Frogman can tell me who. That sound is most profound on "I Can't Believe You're Still In Love With Me." Instead of forcing the music, she's just letting it flow. Keep em coming, I'm enjoying the music. |
O-10, Regina Carter's main influence (by her own admission) was the great Stephane Grapelli, and probably the reason for your astute observation about her tone. In addition to that it is possible that her violin is slightly larger than typical. Not all violins, while still considered "full size", are of the exact same size, and from pictures and videos it appears that her violin may be slightly larger than typical and that would be a contributor to the warm sound that you hear. Regina Carter is a fine player and I agree with your observation that she has really blossomed. Her playing has not always impressed me at a level commensurate with the rep. I am very impressed with her playing, but have to temper my enthusiasm when considering the level that I think she is striving for and not quite reaching yet in a consistent manner. She plays with a really great feel and jazz sensibility and has obviously done her homework, but there are some technical issues that, for me, distract from full enjoyment compared to, for instance, Grapelli's lofty standard. Pitch is something that great players use and manipulate as a way to add color to the tone and to project a certain attitude; by playing slightly under the pitch a certain "bluesy" attitude can be projected. However, sometimes that is simply the way the player hears things all the time and/or is the fault of a technical deficiency and there is a constant sense that she is always reaching for the pitch and not quite getting there (flat); for me, it's a distraction that isn't necessarily a deal breaker if the music is really happening in other ways. I know some will think I am nitpicking and my comment may seem unfair, but I think there is a bit of hype going on here for a variety of reasons. None of this should be surprising; I have never heard or read a qualifying comment about Grapelli's playing "having blossomed". She is a really good player, but the bottom line for me is that I don't hear enough "there there" to want to go out of my way to listen to what she has to say musically; and, if simply violin playing is what I want to hear I would prefer Grapelli (admittedly more steeped in a "hot jazz" vibe): https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Ih_62WMfWEc https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JnhgapeBWuE And for someone who is still with us: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=r4kvzWLSDT4 |
Frogman, that's exactly who I was thinking of. Although I couldn't place a name with the sound I was hearing in my mind, when I went to "Stephane Grapelli" on your post, the two came together. I have him as a sideman mostly, but that's going to change as of today. Nothing stays the same, everything changes, and that includes my taste in jazz; what was old and slow before, is exactly what I want to hear now. On "Oh,Lady Be Good", I could hear Django's ghost. It all came back to me, "Quintette du Hot Club de France". I've got to get more of that. On "The Cluster Blues", they just let the music flow without forcing anything; that's a case of the harder an artist try's, the worse it gets, but if an artist just lets it come from within, the music flows and it works. Mark O' Conners Swing Trio did everything right. Enjoy the music |
Frogman, here it is, "Quintette du Hot Club de France". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=it_JlVlR8JQ This is the one me and Rok have on "Jazz of the 50's and 60's". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDPADMM_to0 I have to credit Regina Carter for this "Renaissance". Enjoy the music. |
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4kvzWLSDT4&app=desktop This could be a textbook example of just how irrelevant 'nuts & Bolts' can be to certain genres. (Jazz, Blues, Gospel,R&B) I am sure by some musical definition, or standard, this is a blues tunes. But I grew up in the Mississippi Delta, and heard a lot of the greats, granted, before I knew what I was hearing, but I never heard anything that remotley sounded like this. I wonder what John Lee and the boys would make of it. Just so happens I recently received Oliver Nelson's CD "screamin' the blues". Features Eric Dolphy. All blues lovers should check it out. Boogie Chillun' :) Cheers |
"Nuts and bolts" is not irrelevant in any genre of music. If you really believe that then you don't understand what is meant by the expression. ****but I never heard anything that remotley sounded like this.**** Well, as my 11yr old likes to say: Duh! Who said it does or that it's trying to? ****I wonder what John Lee and the boys would make of it.**** I would bet that they would really dig it; because great musicians are open minded and appreciate great playing no matter the style (or color). Now, what exactly is your point? Comparing that "blues" tune to Delta blues is pointless. Why get hung up on the title? That it is a blues is indisputable: twelve bar form and classic blues harmonic progression. But then, you knew that; no? Seems to me that the only thing that matters is wether it's good playing or not. So, don't just throw barbs, tell us why exactly anything that was written about O'Connor's performance (and more importantly, Grapelli's) is not true, and why exactly Carter's playing is superior (if that is what you are suggesting). After all, it's the violin playing that was the subject of the discussion; no? Cheers. |
*****Now, what exactly is your point?***** That the clip was an example of 'nuts&bolts' blues. IOW, it met some school book definition of the blues. ****I would bet that they would really dig it; because great musicians are open minded and appreciate great playing no matter the style (or color).***** You keep saying this, but I don't buy it. You can't go by what they say in public or during interviews. If a person makes their living depending on the public, why would a person risk alienating large parts of that public by speaking ill of others. All those guys have huge egos!! Or course they know some guys can't play. They may never say it out loud. I don't know why you always try to introduce color into this. Give it a rest. Unless you think you can have a detailed discussion of Jazz, Blues, Gospel and R&B, without mentioning black artists. I guess you can try. *****After all, it's the violin playing that was the subject of the discussion; no?***** As a matter of fact it was not. I just presented the clip because it was different. The NPR thingy. Also checked some more of her stuff on the side clips, and found a few good ones. And they were good. The OP and I both said we had stuff by her that we were not impressed with. We then agreed she had improved. NO ONE said, or suggested, that she was better than anyone. The clips were not even of her group. She was guest or just sat in. It was still GOOD Playing. Grappelli is great. All of his stuff sounds French and European to my ear. The hot club stuff. Maybe gypsy is a better word. If you like it, no problem. With me, a little goes a long way. I have his highly rated CDs, and those with Django. That's all I Need. Now, my question. What was your point in presenting the O'Conner clip? ESP since the discussion was not about violins or blues. Cheers |
Rok, I fully expected a response along these lines. My impression is that when there isn't unequivocal agreement with your assessment of an artist there seems to be a knee jerk reaction in the negative instead of a substantive discussion of the particulars of the "why's and how's"; perhaps I am mistaken ***That the clip was an example of 'nuts&bolts' blues. IOW, it met some school book definition of the blues.**** Perhaps your school book. I already conceded that it is not like Delta blues and pointed out that to make the comparison is pointless. But, to suggest that those guys can't play is ludicrous; those guys can play and they demonstrate superior musicianship even if falling short in the area of authenticity as compared to Delta blues. ****Now, my question. What was your point in presenting the O'Conner clip? ESP since the discussion was not about violins or blues.**** The discussion certainly was about violins. My point was the same as in presenting the Grapelli clips: as a way of explaining, while agreeing that Carter is a good player, why I am not impressed with her playing quite as much as others are, and why I prefer to listen to other players. I believe I made my point very clear previously. All, as an extension of O-10's comment and query about her tone; and the reason why the discussion had turned to violins. Now, why did you turn it into a discussion about the blues and the authenticity of a particular style of playing? That would be fine; as I am sure you know by now I welcome a challenge. The difference is, however, that while I agreed that Carter was a good player there were aspects of her playing that I did not like; and, I offered specifics. You dismissed the O'Connor performance out of hand as "school book", "they can't play", etc. C'mon! Obviously, we will have disagreements. What I can offer is this: it may come as a surprise to you, but I don't have any less appreciation for Delta Blues and it's authenticity (or not) than you do; I have listened to a lot more of it than you may imagine. You seem to regularly dismiss the (perhaps ill-chosen term) "nut and bolts" and suggest that somehow it also means a distraction from some sort of inner and deeper appreciation of the soul of music; you couldn't be more mistaken. This is a recurring theme in this thread. I can only keep trying to point out and encourage you to understand that deeper understanding of the "inner workings" (is that better?) of music leads to deeper appreciation of ALL aspects of music. I will concede that this concept may not apply to everyone as I can understand how going to that analytical place may be an insurmountable distraction FOR SOME. In a nutshell, and to sum up why I made the comments that I made about the three players mentioned (and it relates to the subject of authenticity vs. "nuts and bolts"): As I have said before, I love food analogies. I have been on a Mexican food kick lately. I cook it and have been to various restaurants of various pedigrees lately. Some restaurants are of the Mom and Pop variety and offer truly authentic Mexican food; "the real deal" and evoke being being home (I am not Mexican), grandma and all that good stuff. At the opposite end of the spectrum are those restaurants that offer "Nuveau-Mexican" cuisine prepared by chefs that have impeccable and schooled technique and offer creations that are sometimes delicious and are prepared with the finest ingredients and presented in unique and visually beautiful ways; unfortunately, sometimes these creations have only a passing resemblance to traditional Mexican cooking. Now for the rub (pun intended): There are also those restaurants of the Mom and Pop (and Nuveau) variety that offer food that is simply not that good. Authentic? Yes; but, just so-so in its execution and resulting taste. It may be too oily, too salty, served cold or prepared with old and inferior ingredients. So which would I prefer to eat? The "authentic" but mediocre food, or the excellent Nuveau (and barely Mexican) food? For me, it's a no-brainer. Cheers. |