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Boring music

H

hublocker

May 17, 2007
265
4
#1
Wow.

I went to a Christmas party last night thrown by my Member of Parliament.

They had a jazz trio ( piano, bass and guitar) playing. These guys looked to be about 22 or 23 and were all very accomplished musicians, probably recent grads from one of the excellent jazz programs here in Vancouver.

They were playing from the real book I suppose plus some Christmas standards and it all sounded the same.

I guess that was the intention. They'd play the head, then the guitar and bass would trade solos, play the head again and out.

The bassist was really good, he could walk on anything and his solos were inventive and clear.

But overall, it was without feeling.

I finally realized that when they played "Green onions." There really wasn't any groove to it and the guitarist just noodled some standard sounding jazz scales on his break , ignoring that Steve Cropper ever existed.

I complimented the bassist on his playing, figuring us bass players gotta stick together, but still I was shocked at the lack of any real "feel" that was demonstrated.

It's not that I hate jazz, just any music played without conviction.
 
#4
I don't think Libby Davies MP for Vancouver East has a budget of $3000 for music for a party. She's not in government, she's in opposition by the way.


I know I started this thread intending it to be about boring music, but as far as convictions go, she is the most dedicated constituency-oriented politician in the country or I wouldn't be a volunteer on her campaigns.

I know most people are very cynical about politicians, but I'd say she was a rare gem in a bucket of turds. I don't know how she can stand to sit across from Harper and his cronies every day.
 
#6
I've played several "background music" gigs for my university and did some significant traveling for the event. we had a drums, upright bass (me), piano and sax quartet and went through alot of trouble bringing equipment so we could be heard only to be told to play so softly that there was very little point in having the amps turned on. Unfortunately these kind of gigs there is an expectation of what it "should" sound like and anything too crazy or showy (or musical for that matter) and the people writing the check complain.
 
#8
I do gigs like these through an agency and sometimes I'm working with musicians I've never played with before. It's hard to be magical in those situations especially when you are being paid to keep it restrained and wall-papery. Inspired solos and 'outside' jamming will mean the band will be noticed an this is a no no. Pay is always great though. Cut these guys some slack.
 
#9
HeadyVan Halen said:
When you said 'Parliment' I was thinking the Mother Ship, Diapers, and massive amounts of blow...
Anyway, this is why most people don't like Jazz.
Click to expand...

Most people hate jazz because there's no emotion? WOW. You're showing an amazing level of ignorance there. You need to branch out and listen to more jazz music. Jazz music is like all other forms of music in that it can be played well or poorly, with emotion or without.

I would say that most people that dislike jazz music do so because they don't understand it. I've been able to take several of these "jazz haters" to shows and explain to them what is going on thru the songs/sets and once they understood what was happening were able to appreciate it.

All that being said - I once played at a Christmas party for the governor of CT. It's background music. You play but you don't go nuts in volume or playing. It wouldn't be appropriate for this venue.
 
#12
I would call it an effect I have dubbed RealBookitis. They are relying on written charts and not playing it like a real song. Could be the first time they played the songs if they needed the Jazz bible as it were. :) It really helps to rehearse and actually know the songs first to get some feel for the songs, (that is if it wasn't just a money gig). I'd also be willing to bet they had probably never even heard recordings of the originals.

That's my 2 cents.
Dirk
 
#15
Art Araya said:
Most people hate jazz because there's no emotion? WOW. You're showing an amazing level of ignorance there. You need to branch out and listen to more jazz music. Jazz music is like all other forms of music in that it can be played well or poorly, with emotion or without.

I would say that most people that dislike jazz music do so because they don't understand it. I've been able to take several of these "jazz haters" to shows and explain to them what is going on thru the songs/sets and once they understood what was happening were able to appreciate it.

All that being said - I once played at a Christmas party for the governor of CT. It's background music. You play but you don't go nuts in volume or playing. It wouldn't be appropriate for this venue.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the diagnosis Doc!
I love jazz, I even play jazz..but this ain't about me Jasper. I clearly said "this is why most people don't like jazz"..you heard "this is why I don't like jazz"..
If your ever up in these northern parts of Tampa, please take me out and school me...(if I'm not on stage) ;)

Happy Kwanza
 
#16
You're welcome Heady - the diagnosis is free.

Whether or not it's about you, I stand by my statement. I've never heard anyone state that the reason they don't like jazz is because it lacks emotion.

I've heard of lots of other reasons but never that one.

Oh, and I do apologize if I got under your skin with the "ignorant" statement I made.

Merry Christmas to you too.
 
#17
Art Araya said:
You're welcome Heady - the diagnosis is free.

Whether or not it's about you, I stand by my statement. I've never heard anyone state that the reason they don't like jazz is because it lacks emotion.

I've heard of lots of other reasons but never that one.
Click to expand...

Really? I hear it a lot. Same goes for prog rock. Of course, it's usually worded more like, "There's lots of flash and technical ability, but no real substance."
 
#19
Wow, I read this thread title and thought "how could anyone on Talkbass have ever heard me play?" :p

In fairness to the trio, it would be nice to hear them play at a non-social/political gig, like a jazz venue or something, and then make your judgement. You did say they were rather young.
 

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