Re: i got it (fwd)

Jonathan Hurwitz (witz@slip.net)
Thu, 10 Aug 1995 15:30:27 -0700


Hey Atlantis23 -

I saw your message,and I must emphatically disagree with you.

This line of thinking has been gaining incredible ground over the last few
years, combined with an anti-technology theme. This argument, is of
course, is groundless - Sun Ra (who you name as 'good stuff') used also
sorts of freaky freaky shit - including pre programmed stuff.

This same arguement was used DECADES ago in relation to several new
innovations in jazz that "purists" said were ruining jazz. First, the
electric guitar. People would boycott shows because artists were bringing
these carzy futuristic instruments into their bands and orchestras. Oh, the
HORROR! Along the same lines - amplification! As technology progressed,
jazz "purists" preferred soloists in front of stationary mics, in classic
jazz poses. Miles Davis called this "boring old fashioned shit" - and
Atlantis23 you are old fashioned for taking this view anti acid-jazz
stance. Even Miles was decrying the present state of jazz towards the end
of his life.

Have you ever seen someone use two turntables to mix something up? The
beats may be "pre-programmed" but the DJ uses incredible improvisation
skills to make it sound new and exciting.

All live acid jazz bands off the top of my head:

Greyboy All-Stars, Brand New Heavies, JT Quartet, Charlie Hunter Trio, etc.

Make way for the new generation, one that reveres the old school while
embracing the future. If everyone was like you, we would all still be
grooving to Jellyroll Morton...

- Jonathan

>
> Jazz is about the real feeling/energy made by free styling, improv musicians
>and the synchonisty between several improv players to bring out a fat,
>cold/cool groove with depth, IMO. More than 90% of the 'acid-jazz' I've
>heard(and I'm exposed to it quite often) is nothing more than pre-programed
>sampled beats, samples of jazz looped to a beat and at most someone playing
>some sort of solo(usually some form of saxaphone). What live/improv feeling
>is there in that? Maybe I'm just too much of a snob purest? Who knows... I'd
>like to think I'm open minded... I just dont think 'acid jazz' is true to
>jazz's nature and roots.
>
> Good jazz? Thelonius Monk, Sun Ra, Charles Hayword, Dizzy Gilepsie, Charlie
>Parker, Angello Badalamenti...
>
>I'll go crawl in some hole and breed now!
>
>dave wright
>not breathing
>
>:) -hope I'm not offending too many people- :(