couw

lost for words Jim? That would be a novelty! Do I get a prize?

I just close my left eye most of the time. let's just face it, we alpha males need this "mine's bigger than yours" kinda thing.

I've started a new thread in the artists section: why I hate Miles

JazzMoose posted some interesting remarks in this thread about his judgement of Miles not being that essential or likeable (hope I'm not putting any words in your moose mouth here). I agree with that sentiment. Some people would like that explained. I have been asked before to do just that in an email exchange with Ubu. So here goes. It's not easy to explain. It's like your guys having to explain why you DO like Miles's trumpet playing. Take a shot I'd say. To put it very simply: I HATE his tone. 'nuff said if it were about any other artist. I fear that it is not that simple when Miles is concerned. I understand that an overwhelming public sees things differently, and so I'll try to put some more beef on the assesment. To me, there isn't much to like. Once he stuffs that stuff in his horn, his tone becomes horrible to my ears. Way too fragile. He doesn't hold his notes but wavers around like a drunken man, hoping to hit the one that may fit where it belongs. Early in his (unmuted) carreer - BN albums come to mind - his tone was weak and his technique wasn't top-notch, but that didn't detract from the great music that was being played by those surrounding him. Later on, he specialised on this image (tone) of the vulnerable guy who understands the women or whatever. Even when not muted it started to sound like a stumbling baby. I can understand that technique isn't the alpha and omega of all music, but to me the story that Miles is trying to tell suffers from a lack of technique BIG TIME. In my opinion his minimalistic approach demands that you have perfect control of the horn. I don't hear that. To me such an approach means you have to select the right tone at the right moment and it has to be perfectly phrased and perfectly timed. Miles falls short in ALL these in my humble opinion and for my tastes. Besides the fact that I find nothing pleasing in his tone, I am of the opinion that he not only selects the wrong notes to play, but plays them badly on top of that. Comparing his minimalism to that of Monk, Monk stars shines so brightly it becomes hard to listen to it. When Monk is the well dressed emperor, Miles is left without the clothes. I understand that he has contributed a lot to the development of jazz music (though I am in no position to judge that). I am not talking about that, but about his playing. Now it's your turn I'd say: what's so good about the guy's music that people seem to treat him as a demi-god or at least have him & his music as one of the main focal points of of their music collection?

okay, I DO like the early stuff. The REAL early stuff, when he kept his socks on his feet and didn't stuff them in his horn...

heheheh. I was almost gonna say that I don't even have "at least 2, or probably 3 different Miles albums," but that would be a lie. I own about 20. Don't ask me why, I don't like his playing ONE BIT.

maybe it's too big. Like attached files must be <100Kb, avatars must be <40Kb (used to be <20Kb)

I have been reading through Stefan Heym's "Nachruf" for a couple of weeks now. It's a real fascinating book, but I can't seem to make real progress. I just checked amazon.com and was a bit disappointed to find there is hardly anything available in english, not even from his american years when he a.o. wrote the acclaimed novel The Crusaders. Does this really mean he was right: was it THAT bad under McCarthy's regime? Has american literary history disposed of his writings?

thanks clunky!

here you are

oops! 2 threads! only goes to show what a popular guy you are Mike. let's leave it like it is, shall we brownie? Happy Birthday Mike

with love from maren & couw

didn't realise this is a real "old" thread. Check out the May 15 remarks...

Minton's is more than just quite good. This is EXCELLENT stuff actually. Very loose, live, and with a great group. Try some of the Parlan disks w/ Turrentine as well. Speakin' My Peace is one of my favourites. Though I doubt that one is available... (?)

Buddy Emmons - Steel Guitar Jazz also features Richardson in a more intimate setting

RIP... his playing with Kirk was my first exposure to the man, the MJT came way later. Have always enjoyed this music.

yes

yeah I noticed too some days ago. not nice, especially when you consider that the not-so-good reviews were very fair

hey, moving south means moving closer to the couw residence, so be careful what you wish for! good luck with the moving and the new home.

midsummernight must be a popular night for making whoopee. happy birthday!

happy birthday. with love from maren & couw

cool beans! more birthdays! Happy Birthday!

The exclamation point or the period? --eric you mean there was something AFTER the quote of conn500?

Tell me, did you have anything of substance after the first full stop Moose?