Dub Modal

Recorded in '99. RIP Barry Harris

Per the Slate article linked upthread it's China

Honestly I've only ever heard one demographic use the term "beta males." That's anecdotal of course, but he's sold 75 millions records worldwide. I'm sure there's a fair share of women and wimps buying these units but I have a hard time believing they're pushing that market. But hey, maybe they are. I've never been to one of his concerts but it could be like the opera crowd that was depicted in Seinfeld.

Maybe "beta males" would make sense in a place like this country where identities are forged around consumption preferences and peer pressure, but he's got a worldwide audience. I doubt that rather substantial market is pushed by females only, and the US concept of beta males wouldn't really apply in Asia or other parts of this hemisphere (the Slate article makes note of his popularity in JA, hardly a hot spot of betas). That's really interesting. I hope he pays that keyboard player a lot of money. That sounds kind of painstaking for what actually gets churned out.

Well, FWIW I just listened to KG's Standards and it's pretty boring to me. I actually wouldn't call this smooth jazz at all. Figured maybe it was due to the theme chosen as I've always associated him with SJ, so I went back to his 2015 Brazilian Nights album and nope! Another miss. Pretty saccharine stuff actually. Quiet storm instrumentals/smooth jazz have groove/R&B elements that aren't there in these Kenny G albums. I get why people may dig some songs of his, but definitely not my thing. I don't think he'd fit in very well on that Smooth Jazz cruise...

Supposed to control digital ripping but most software was more advanced than what was put on the CD, or there was a work around back in that day. I'd say there's likely some audio "watermarking" present if you listen closely, but maybe not.

The NYT article is really nothing. At least the Slate article prints (most of?) the interview itself. I see where Lane is coming from (and the fact that she released "footnotes" of a prior documentary is pretty interesting in terms of a filmmaker's approach). I don't think threads like this are necessarily so much about Kenny G or whatever artist, but more about the defense and protection of what we consider to be jazz, or maybe who/what should be the mascot(s) representing that art form. When you get down to it, Kenny is just another guy making music and selling records. You either like it or you don't, and you choose to either vocalize your opinion about it or not. Happens across all genres I guess. MC Hammer got this type of treatment in the 90s from the hip hop community and Drake is receiving it today. Nickelback has gotten it from the rock crowd and Garth Brooks got it from country fans. I'd actually like to see this documentary more for how the subject matter is treated. Maybe I'll check out Kenny's new album, who knows.

You'd lose that bet b/c these folks definitely have a copy of KOB and/or Time Out.

It wouldn't surprise me if, in the future, these covers will have the cigarettes removed digitally.

Did this last week at wifey’s request, only no fridge. She got tired of me using her nice rammicans for it. Sorry, honest answers lol. Only I don’t have a potato box. Just one for onions

Of course!

Great albums. Cube is an excellent storyteller and these beats/production are incredible. Heavily influenced by P-Funk for sure.

Of course

I remember Milt Jackson got a short profile by Peter Jennings and ABC news when he passed. I wasn't a jazz fan at the time but I still remember because it was the first time I'd seen anyone play vibes like that.

1 - Track B4 from this album was sampled on one of my favorite rap tunes back in the day (TROY by Pete Rock & CL Smooth). It wasn't this song of course as this one here is the opener. Love the album, groove and sound. Nice stuff! 2 - Familiar sound but not placing it. Reverb reminds me of those Elvin Jones 70s records. Harp at about 7 minutes in? Dig it! 3 - Sultry vocals and a simmering track. No guesses. The string backing works here. And the pick up at the end is worth it. 4 - Maybe Sonny Rollins...? I'm probably wrong there but this is a great trio song. 5 - Love that B3 bass. Really good track. Soulful with nice vibes. 6 - About 2.5 mins in and it feels like the rhythm section should move off of that intro and develop the song further. Nice mood but that rhythmic motif drags a bit. They start getting there at about 4 mins...not far, but they move a bit. 7 - Poor gal. 8 - Nice song. No guesses but the groove is there. 9 - Oh yeah, love the rhythm here with the percussion. Reverb on the flute is sweet. 10 - Segue track? Or maybe another "Pt 1"? Short & sweet. Oohs & ahhs.. 11 - Intense bass work here, recorded in boom mode. Ominous track for some reason. Great build up. 12 - Burning intro with more harp I believe. Pharoah? Good song. 13 - Another badass bass line. Rest of the song is decent as well. Not sure what's going on with the horn recording. Either something is tracking along or there's some effects on it. Ending is weird - is this from a soundtrack?

Listening now. Bass recording is pretty wonky but after a while it stops being distracting. Good album!

First time listen.

I dig this one. How do you like it?

Listening now - oh yeah - good stuff!

Nice. Yeah, they come across as smooth jazz-funk lite. Bernie Worrell should've been called in as a consultant.

Those Gene Harris albums, Tone Tantrum and In A Special Way, are interesting.

A favorite of mine. RIP Slide Same.

Oh yeah, I love this one

Solo piano isn't something I typically seek out but I'm loving this album.

Funk exploration down the George Clinton production/writing interplanetary connection. So many hip hop samples came from these excellent records.