A few issues back The Absolute Sound had a Editor Column (guest I think) that discussed three types of listening. Made perfect sense to me. I'll paraphrase: (1) Listening to and for the best possible sound imaginable; (2) Listening to and for the best possible performance; and (3) Listening for the best possible sound of that amazing musical performance.
I'm definitely in the third group. How good can you actually get a Robert Johnson recording to sound, but oh man, when you listen to it, the musical finesse of his playing defies the ages.
Good, no great sound is wonderful and sublime, but without being coupled to good musicians creating great music, forget it. That is why I could never stand this 1980's elevator type jazz music. No heart, no soul, no matter how it sounds.
Can anybody find a link to TAS column. I have not had any luck.
I'm definitely in the third group. How good can you actually get a Robert Johnson recording to sound, but oh man, when you listen to it, the musical finesse of his playing defies the ages.
Good, no great sound is wonderful and sublime, but without being coupled to good musicians creating great music, forget it. That is why I could never stand this 1980's elevator type jazz music. No heart, no soul, no matter how it sounds.
Can anybody find a link to TAS column. I have not had any luck.