Thought I saw the idea above, but kinda like trying to define pornography. When the US Spreme Court was asked to do so, the best the supposedly best nine legal/jurisprudential minds in the country could do for guidance is "you know it when you see it." (That and some nonsensical, community-based, idiosyncratic, sliding, festooned, subjective drivel).
And I always thought the Armstrong quote (or, another one, at any rate) was, in response to the question by a reporter what is jazz, "honey, if you gotta ask, you'll never understand." |
Actually, the quote is (upon being asked what jazz is):
"Man, if you have to ask, you'll never know"
A couple other favorite Armstrong quotes:
**** To jazz, or not to jazz, there is no question ****
**** If I dont practice for a day, I know it. If I dont practice for two days, the critics know it. And if I dont practice for three days, the public knows it
****
**** If they act too hip, you know they can't play shit ****
**** If anybody was Mr. Jazz it was Louis Armstrong. He was the epitome of jazz and always will be. He is what I call an American standard, an American original **** - Duke Ellington |
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I don't share the cynicism and negativity expressed in some of the posts above. The "demise" of jazz as some of us would like to remember it was inevitable. To accept this inevitability is to truly understand the art form. No one destroyed jazz. Jazz like any other art form is a reflection of the times and the societal forces of that time. Society evolves; so does the art that reflects it. Great artists push the boundaries of creativity until there comes a time when the art can only repeat itself. To quote Louis Armstrong once again: **** "I never tried to prove nothing, just wanted to give a good show. My life has always been my music, it's always come first, but the music ain't worth nothing if you can't lay it on the public. The main thing is to live for that audience, 'cause what you're there for is to please the people **** Some interesting reading (hearing) on the subject: http://m.youtube.com/index?desktop_uri=%2F&gl=US#/watch?v=Zk3ll9NE0IYhttp://nicholaspayton.wordpress.com/2011/11/27/on-why-jazz-isnt-cool-anymore/ |
Inna: nice indian music. The text refers to some sort of discussion about Indian Classical music and Flamenco. No one mentioned Jazz. Except you of course. I like indian music, some of it is mesmerizing.
Jazz players go and went overseas for the money. Why would any artist limit themselves to one country? Esp, if the people in those countries like and demand their music. I think rockers and blues guys do the same thing. Classical soloist. Most of the Jazz artist that went to Europe, esp, and primarily France, went to get away from the racism rampant in this country. Most came back later. Some didn't, and were soon forgotten in this country, but they made a nice living over there and when Americans artists toured, they would often get picked up by them for the duration of the tour. The choir at Fisk university toured Europe back in the time of Queen Victoria, and sang for her. They probably could not have performed at the white house in that day. You people need to read more. A lot of black writers, such as Richard wright and the great dancer, Josephine Baker went to live in Europe also. Social conditions in this country were the main factor, not europeans love of Jazz. I have lived there for 15 years, and I can assure you, the average european has no more appreciation of Jazz than the average American.
Most of the entries here are getting to be silly. You aren't even talking about Jazz anymore, just third world, 'we loves everybody' clap-trap. Too bad. Some of you could and need to learn something. |
Jazz does not carry a passport. Jazz has no national boundaries. Jazz has the combined soul of it's many founding fathers, and it is forever evolving. The incorporation of American jazz with Eastern and African music is nothing new. Dave Brubeck made "Jazz Impressions of Eurasia" quite some time ago. Here's "Calcutta Blues", http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qNlHh4FiZoWhen foreign elements are incorporated into American jazz it sounds new and exotic. |
This was quite good, I think. Not Indian at all:
http://youtu.be/64RAslP-YQg |
Its the default setting. |
Inna, I want your opinion of this jazz. McCoy Tyner was John Coltrane's pianist, here he incorporates some eastern elements in his music; what do you think? "Sama Layuca" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBA-vwa-20M |
"Banda Pequi" was posted by Chazro; although this is a young Brazilian jazz band, the music is "straight ahead American jazz". While they are a diamond in the rough, they don't need much polishing. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCwBMCR-NGA |
Orpheus10, this is really good, very powerful and sophisticated performance. Thank you. |
"Orpheus10, this is really good, very powerful and sophisticated performance. Thank you."
Hope a sudden gust of wind does not blow their sheet music off the stands. They look and sound like our local high school band. |
Rok2id, let me guess. I think, in your last dreams French bothered you too much. And if this does sound like your high school band, well, what else might there be? |
