Listening to Jazz for over 40 years
Posted by: mikeeschman on 09 January 2011
Since the 60s, many of my most electrifying musical moments have been provided by jazz. But these days, many albums that provided tremendous satisfaction leave me flat. One good example is Miles Davis "Porgy and Bess". Davis' intonation drives me crazy. The off color notes don't come across as "blue" notes that illuminate the melody. They just sound out of tune.
Curiously, my love of New Orleans idioms continues unabated, even though much of this music has been committed to memory. Believe me, there is plenty of "slop" to go around in New Orleans music.
Similarly, classical music continues to satisfy and delight.
At Fred's suggestion, I have been spending some considerable time with "Gnu High". At first it bored me. Then, with a few clues provided by Fred Simon, this music became somewhat interesting, but I haven't crossed the threshold into truly enjoyable.
To be true, I have to say some jazz still lights my fire. Pianist like Earl Hines and Art Tatum come to mind, as does Bill Evens.
When you listen to music, if you slip easily into the performer's frame of reference, you are usually in for a good time. New Orleans music is in my bones, and that sympathy is part of my makeup as a person since a child.
Is this some sort of mental rigamortis that comes with age, or is it possible to break through and accept a different view of things?
Everyone that posts here has a fundamental love of music (else why post here). Are any of the older posters here also suffering the closing of doors? Is this inevitable?
Curiously, my love of New Orleans idioms continues unabated, even though much of this music has been committed to memory. Believe me, there is plenty of "slop" to go around in New Orleans music.
Similarly, classical music continues to satisfy and delight.
At Fred's suggestion, I have been spending some considerable time with "Gnu High". At first it bored me. Then, with a few clues provided by Fred Simon, this music became somewhat interesting, but I haven't crossed the threshold into truly enjoyable.
To be true, I have to say some jazz still lights my fire. Pianist like Earl Hines and Art Tatum come to mind, as does Bill Evens.
When you listen to music, if you slip easily into the performer's frame of reference, you are usually in for a good time. New Orleans music is in my bones, and that sympathy is part of my makeup as a person since a child.
Is this some sort of mental rigamortis that comes with age, or is it possible to break through and accept a different view of things?
Everyone that posts here has a fundamental love of music (else why post here). Are any of the older posters here also suffering the closing of doors? Is this inevitable?