Someone on one of the forums for big-band music asked for suggestions of "crowd-pleasing" numbers for a coming gig. After a few responses suggesting the usual chestnuts, I saw this from bandleader and trumpeter [Invalid or Expired Link Removed], and I thought, "This is it, man."
Berger (emphasis mine):
I’ve led big bands for the last 48 years performing all over the US and Europe. At no time have I ever pandered to the audience. My job is to raise the consciousness of my audience. It’s my responsibility to them to represent the greatest composers and arrangers of our music and to inspire my musicians to play the music with love and authenticity.
The response from audiences has been universally extremely positive, not only from jazz fans, but also from non-fans who have told me that they didn’t know that jazz could be so entertaining. We start by entertaining, but the hidden message deep down in the music is life-affirming and inspiring. Giving an audience anything less is shortchanging and demeaning them.
Ever onward and upward
David Berger
Me: If you're not an evangelist for quality, transcendence and making a great scene happen, what's the point of playing music at all?
Berger (emphasis mine):
I’ve led big bands for the last 48 years performing all over the US and Europe. At no time have I ever pandered to the audience. My job is to raise the consciousness of my audience. It’s my responsibility to them to represent the greatest composers and arrangers of our music and to inspire my musicians to play the music with love and authenticity.
The response from audiences has been universally extremely positive, not only from jazz fans, but also from non-fans who have told me that they didn’t know that jazz could be so entertaining. We start by entertaining, but the hidden message deep down in the music is life-affirming and inspiring. Giving an audience anything less is shortchanging and demeaning them.
Ever onward and upward
David Berger
Me: If you're not an evangelist for quality, transcendence and making a great scene happen, what's the point of playing music at all?
