Jazz for aficionados

****What makes an artist an important artist? ****

I thought I answered that question in the paragraph that followed. Put simply, it's an artist who was influential in shaping the direction of the art. I think that the Tatum/Scott example is a good one. Scott was an extremely accomplished player and worth listening to. Tatum was a master who influenced not only Scott, but the direction of piano playing style as a whole; he's an important artist.

Rok, you shouldn't short change yourself too readily. I'm not quite sure what a "true aficionado" is, but you clearly love the music.

****So in Jazz, we have Jazz, and then something or someone comes along and changes the way that pre-existing Jazz is played. That's 'influence'.****

Rok, you have it exactly backwards; or, at least, only partially (a small part) correct. Yes, someone like Bird comes along and changes the direction of jazz, but the impetus for that change is everything that came before Bird; THAT is the influence (on Bird). And the process continues: Bird was one of Trane's main influences (by Trane's own admission). Of course each player brings new and unique things to the table; but, of there had been no Bird, there would not have been a a Coltrane. And that is the reason that there is always worthwhile jazz including presently; it is an extension of what came before it.

Actually, there have been many who, even if not revolutionizing jazz in a sweeping way the way that Bird and Trane did, certainly influenced the change in the overall direction of jazz; it is a matter of degree.

****The answer to this lies with the unwashed masses. So, as you stated it, a player can be great and not important, and important, but not great. And of course, both and neither.****

We have been here before and the answer is the same: nonesense. I have asked for a more in depth explanation of your stance previously and I have never gotten one. Perhaps that is why you like to consider part of the unwashed masses. Hate to break it to you, you are not part of the unwashed masses. The unwashed don't listen to Mingus nor Beethoven :-) As I have said before, by your definition the best art is The Beatles (I like them btw), Michael Jackson, Kenny G, Madonna etc.

You also misread my comment re important/great. To clarify: an important artist is always great (even if one doesn't like his art), a great artist is not always important.

Cheers

Today's Listen:

Herbie Hancock -- GERSHWIN'S WORLD

Let's see; we have hancock, shorter, jodi mitchell, stevie wonder, kathleen battle, chick corea, the orpheus chamber orch and a few more. Your musical curiosity demands that you listen to this CD. I loved it. I was surprised at Jodi. I am not that familiar with her.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRUFC4NN6js

Cheers

Under the heading of WTF!!!

"I wish I could play the piano the way I want to."

The first 'wish', from Oscar Peterson, in Nica's book.

I have an LP by Cannonball titled, "The Black Messiah". During one of his usual mini-monologues before playing a tune by Herbie Hancock, he sort of dismissed and ridiculed Herbie, because he received, and accepted, an honorary degree from Grinell College. It's in Iowa, I think.

I was shocked to hear his tone. Was there bad blood between Adderley and Hancock? Anyone know?

Cheers

sorry, forgot my url's :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRUFC4NN6js