a pretty interesting read
http://dyske.com/paper/778
Why Americans Don't Like Jazz
Started by
SpinSpinNYC
, Apr 17 2012 08:08 PM
18 replies to this topic
#2
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- VibeTribe
- 5,241 posts
- LocationNutmeg State
Posted 17 April 2012 - 08:33 PM
That was an interesting article, but I don't understand how the author can make such sweeping generalizations about entire nationalities. Jazz is just one form of instrumental music out there, and it's a much older form then a lot of other popular music. There's a lot of music that builds on those abstract forms but does something different with it or progresses it in another way. It looks like the essay was written in 2003, but the author would've done well to experience some other music like for example all of the stuff that we listen to. I am doubtful that the portion of people who listen to improvisationally-based music is a particularly large percentage of the population, but it is a substantial number of people. As far as not teaching anything but instrumental music in schools, I completely disagree, the presence of lyrics doesn't completely negate the value of the instrumental portions of the song. If there wasn't the option to participate in chorus I would not have had a musical outlet in school to begin with. He makes some interesting points, but it seems to be an either or proposition on music versus lyrics, but the best music works hand-in-hand with the lyrics to make a complete statement.
#11
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- VibeTribe
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Posted 18 April 2012 - 01:04 AM
Jazz is like fresh artwork, with every interpretation, something new is added. As a percussionist, jazz is one of my favorite music forms to play. There is always room for new patterns to be explored. For an audience it takes a sharp mind to understand this, henceforth why most Americans do not like it. 
#13
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- VibeTribe
- 191 posts
Posted 18 April 2012 - 07:40 PM
i worked in jazz for ten years, americans don't get it like they do in europe or japan, where jazz musicians are treated like rock stars.
maybe we are focused on amateur hour shows like americas got talent, voice or idol where the young and inexperienced are praised for just barely staying on pitch.
notice how in those shows the band/musicians barely get a mention, if at all?
maybe we are focused on amateur hour shows like americas got talent, voice or idol where the young and inexperienced are praised for just barely staying on pitch.
notice how in those shows the band/musicians barely get a mention, if at all?
#14
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- VibeTribe
- 3,851 posts
Posted 18 April 2012 - 10:36 PM
For me, it's a matter of knowing the song well enough to appreciate the improvisations. So it is hard to appreciate unfamilliar pieces... no not apreciate, but I guess more understand the performance. Americans are often lazy in their entertainment (why TV is so popular) so it's too much work for many to get in touch with.
Then there's the lack of good jazz venues in many places. And not even much jazz on the radio to help one get a foundation.
Then there's the lack of good jazz venues in many places. And not even much jazz on the radio to help one get a foundation.
#15
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- VibeTribe
- 191 posts
Posted 19 April 2012 - 06:14 PM
yeah tough to get where they have gone to if you don't know where they're coming from. You might dig the Bad Plus, they do jazz covers of recent artists like nirvana and radiohead...For me, it's a matter of knowing the song well enough to appreciate the improvisations. So it is hard to appreciate unfamilliar pieces... no not apreciate, but I guess more understand the performance. Americans are often lazy in their entertainment (why TV is so popular) so it's too much work for many to get in touch with. Then there's the lack of good jazz venues in many places. And not even much jazz on the radio to help one get a foundation.
#16
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- VibeTribe
- 17,237 posts
Posted 20 April 2012 - 11:53 AM
its odd to read because I have really started to appreciate all the jazz I listen to on WRTU outta Philly. So much amazing music.
That article is well written. I agree that most people do not seem to really dig instrumental music, on the whole. Aside from Rock-It, its tough to even think of a pop hit that is instrumental in the last 50 years...they are few and far between
That article is well written. I agree that most people do not seem to really dig instrumental music, on the whole. Aside from Rock-It, its tough to even think of a pop hit that is instrumental in the last 50 years...they are few and far between
#17
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- VibeTribe
- 1,844 posts
Posted 20 April 2012 - 12:52 PM
I got into Jazz music when I was driving one day and trying to find something on the radio to listen to. I came across some Jazz that was in full swing and after a few moments of me be-bopping to the music I had the realization that this music I was listening to was how my thoughts tended to be. To an outsider I would seem all over the place, but to me I was just exploring the outer edges of my thoughts with one or more main themes running through them. Seemed natural to me.
#19
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- VibeTribe
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Posted 20 April 2012 - 08:06 PM
For any deadheads or festies interested in jazz, jump into the deepend with a dose of Weather Report. In my opinion. it defines later 20th century jazz. For me its Mingus reborn with definition. There's a reason Mingus used Jaco, just imagine if Coltrane used Short! Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm? 
