Posted: Fri May 02, 2008, 21:06 (GMT) Post subject: Jazz
DIANE: I am really glad that people are listening to jazz more. I have always had a place for it from years back. They used to make fun of me in school when they found out I listened to "elevator music." I have always liked it. I listen to Watercolors on XM most of the time just to unwind on the way home from work.
JOHN: I will let you know when it comes out. I think it will be available either on the sonic bids site or the other one. I forgot they had a myspace site too. The CD is really good. I have been listening to them as they have been coming up and it has been a truly amazing journey for them. Their parents are really proud of them and they should be. I really believe that if they hold this together they will be really successful.
The night they played they received TV news coverage when none of the other bands did. Wow. They have also had some write-ups now in the local paper and other various regional publications, and that has really helped them. Really good stuff. _________________ It’s only when we let go of everything, that we are free to do anything…
Posted: Sat May 03, 2008, 12:46 (GMT) Post subject:
I hadn't been on Savvy on a couple of days (Work! Yea!), so I missed the outing of Tony. I saw him play years ago, and I've always been a fan. Tony--lovely to see you here in your "other" career.
I've programmed both Jazz and Pop radio. Pop artists have their entourages and want to talk about where they got their $5000 handbag. Jazz artists will stand alone with you at a cocktail party and and talk about other musicians they love. I love that music, and the people who make it.
But regarding the current topic, are more people listening to jazz? Perhaps there's more exposure to it, but are people buying? On Thursday I went to see Brad Meldahu/Larry Grenadier/Jeff Ballard at SOPAC in South Orange, NJ. They were, without a doubt, the most exciting live show I've seen in years. And without being disrespectful to other musicians, this may be THE jazz trio of the moment. (Let's debate, why not
Even so, the venue, which is committed to jazz, had to give away at least 30% of the tickets. Jazz Fans within driving distance of the city can be spoiled, but this was kind of pitiful, and sadly, typical for most US cities.
Posted: Sat May 03, 2008, 13:31 (GMT) Post subject:
Haneen --
Yes, although I do think Jazz has enjoyed a resurgence of interest among some young people, but it is still is minimal against the (over)played music of the day. Still full of passionate artists, and multi-generational talents, they are a group that won't be corrupted by pop adulation, that's for sure. (One of the reasons I like them so much.)
My friends the Pizzarellis, though, are an example of a jazz success story, and an inspiration. Bucky has played all his life as a musician (and now, in his eighties, still does) with some big names back in the heyday, and his sons John and Martin, have followed his lead. After many years of playing local clubs with little attention, it's just like with us -- marketing makes the difference. John has gone on to great jazz acclaim, supports his family, though he's not a household name. Lots of great talent out there, but without the business end of it, you won't make a living from it. And, of course, the Marsalis family, the Brubeck family and many others.
Same can be said for classical musicians. Incredibly talented, motivated, hard-working artists -- yet no one's buying scalped tickets to see them (not here in the suburbs, anyway.) It's the culture of the music.
Jazz struggles, but I think that's not surprising. It's our only truly American music. An American revolution. If it went mainstream, it would surely dilute, and in some of its permutations, it has. Give me those obscure artisits in those half-empty clubs any time. With dedicated artists performing with the edge that only the pure love for the music can bring. With the soul, intimacy and creativity of an art form that will have a purity about it that appeals to the core of our musical souls.
Posted: Sat May 03, 2008, 14:08 (GMT) Post subject:
Diane,
I'm not sure pop adulation is the goal (and I don't think that's what you're saying). The goal is being able to live at a respectable standard.
I'm not offering anything earth-shattering, I agree with most all of what you have to say--but I will say those "obscure jazz-artists in half empty clubs", would prefer playing to a full, paying crowd.
My husband, a working musician, and I always say you can tell a jazz guy by his shoes. And unless they're one of the top 40 guys, those shoes are worn and thin.
Marketing matters, to be sure, but that doesn't mean the audience will follow. If those fans only knew...
Jazz musicians with who are at the top of the food chain are lucky to sell 8000 units on a major label (it doesn't help that most major labels don't have a jazz promotion department anymore...or do any?) Most will barely break even when they make a record, they'll pay their label for distribution, not own the master, and then play a NY gig for $75-200.
Pizzarelli's done well with his radio show and the Foxwoods spots, but he's on a short list of guys playing to a full room.
All I'm saying, is that I hate to see an empty room. It kind of breaks my heart.
Posted: Sat May 03, 2008, 14:19 (GMT) Post subject:
Well, sure -- I'm not saying that's the goal -- adulation -- that's a hyperbole to make the point. I have tremendous respect for these musicians, actors, painters, whoever -- that struggle to work and share their gifts with the world, as they so deservedly should. But in reality, what makes music sell is what makes anything sell -- razor sharp marketing and enough moneyed people to make it happen. I am just grateful there are still people out there that choose to continue playing, acting, painting, dancing, because they know they have something special to add to the human family's cultural experience. Without them we'd be isolated souls. Every art form expresses something unique.
I agree we must support it, and like our earth and environment, our wildlife -- unless we nurture and protect it, it can no longer exist.
Kudos to your husband for his dedication. Let's hope we see the days of packed rooms for all! _________________ Diane
Posted: Sat May 03, 2008, 14:38 (GMT) Post subject:
Oh, and on this subject of marketing -- I recently finished the book BLINK by Malcolm Gladwell (highly recommended) and in it, there is a chapter on the musician Kenna, and the tough time he had getting heard, getting a recording contract -- though very well received by audiences in concert, lauded by respected musicians, etc. It came down to focus groups done on him -- can you believe it? Like he was some kind of new hamburger at MacDonald's -- he didn't score well. (Remind you V123 people of anything?)
This book is a must read for anyone who wants to understand decision making and its role in marketing and other life decisions. _________________ Diane
Posted: Sat May 03, 2008, 14:59 (GMT) Post subject:
Quote:
I am just grateful there are still people out there that choose to continue playing, acting, painting, dancing, because they know they have something special to add to the human family's cultural experience.
While I agree with you, in theory, I would argue that most working artists, despite the overwhelming odds that they will never gather a commanding audience, do so because they can't help themselves: They must participate in their art.
There was a fascinating piece on NPR recently about how people who are truthful with themselves, and generally understand how the world works, are LESS happy overall than those tend to ignore unpleasantness in the world and blithely go on with their lives. This is going slightly off on a tangent, but we would likely agree that most artists' creativity is sparked by their reactions to their environment...I would bet, if most artists could fathom, could stand, could turn their attention away from their art in return for a decent standard of living, they would.
That, or figure out how marketing works! HA!
Sorry, I just thought I needed a little levity there at the end.
Oh, and Thanks, Diane--My husband got an MBA a few years ago...he knows how to make it work...(and thank goodness, now there's someone in the house who understands the mortgage.)
Posted: Sat May 03, 2008, 18:25 (GMT) Post subject:
Haneen Arafat wrote:
On Thursday I went to see Brad Meldahu/Larry Grenadier/Jeff Ballard at SOPAC in South Orange, NJ. They were, without a doubt, the most exciting live show I've seen in years. And without being disrespectful to other musicians, this may be THE jazz trio of the moment.
It's wierd. I've had the pleasure of seeing so many of the musicians listed in thread in person, yet Brad Mehldau is from my town and I've never seen him live. And for all those years I did Foxwoods commercials with John Pizzarelli's jingle playing in the background, I 've never seen him live either. _________________ For more voice over demos, my life story, and other foolishness, please visit my website at www.leegordonproductions.com
Posted: Sat May 03, 2008, 18:52 (GMT) Post subject:
Lee, you've never seen Brad, but at least you spelled his name correctly... Anyway, Ornette Coleman and Dewey Redman are from my hometown. I missed Dewey, but I have seen his son. Now that Ornette is being paid attention to again, perhaps the chance to see him will arise.
Regarding Foxwoods, those were great sounding spots. They played in my market, and I currently voice spots produced by the same guy. Small world.
Posted: Sat May 03, 2008, 20:32 (GMT) Post subject:
ummm ... just to clarify ... our (Savvy) Anthony (Tony) Williams is not the jazz drummer Tony Williams (December 12, 1945 – February 23, 1997) i alluded to earlier....
i'm really sorry i was so esoteric in my post...
as i mentioned, when i first saw the Savvy Anthony Williams (VO) post here, i thought of Tony Williams the jazz drummer, just as the two having the same name...
i'm really sorry for any embarrassment i caused, especially to our Anthony Williams...
either that or i've really funked up on my forum type reading comprehension skills, OR, everyone in the the thread got it and i'm gettin inna twitter over nothing...
damn, sucks when i come off like a putz....
_________________ "the woods would be very silent if no birds sang except those that sang best."
Posted: Sun May 04, 2008, 03:28 (GMT) Post subject:
You're not a putz, John. I knew he could NOT be Tony Williams -- doesn't even LOOK like him -- and he's way too young. Playing along -- hoping to get Anthony to post for us! _________________ Diane
Posted: Sun May 04, 2008, 13:30 (GMT) Post subject:
whew ....
i'm all giddy in anticipation for a new release from Anthony Williams...
so, as we wait.......
imo, the best jazz pianist ever... so good that when a young oscar peterson heard him on record, he was so intimidated he didn't practice for weeks...
and when he walked into a club that stride master Fats Waller was playing, Fats stepped back and said to the audience, "i only play the piano, but tonite God is in the house"
_________________ "the woods would be very silent if no birds sang except those that sang best."
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I saw him play years ago, and I've always been a fan. Tony--lovely to see you here in your "other" career.
Anyway, Ornette Coleman and Dewey Redman are from my hometown. I missed Dewey, but I have seen his son. Now that Ornette is being paid attention to again, perhaps the chance to see him will arise.
