Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Mark Bliss on August 31, 2014 at 2:34am

Yes, I know different people like different things. I was just stating an opinion, (fully aware I might be in the minority), and clarifying why I personally thought some of the main attractions were a let down for me personally, while a few little kids stole the show.

Reminded me in a way of a Blues festival I was at some years ago, some pretty good stuff. And then a young man of about 15 came out and just melted the whole scene. Jonny Lang. Never forget it.

Oops, Bens reply came and went just like that.... LOL!

Its OK folks, I can take it. And my comments were not intended as mean or bitter, just my opinion in my matter of fact style. Go ahead and roast me, I can take the heat.

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Permalink Reply by Ben "C. B. Gitty" Baker on August 31, 2014 at 5:22am

Mark, I removed that comment after a couple of minutes because on reflection I realized that it did not add anything meaningful or useful to the discussion.

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Permalink Reply by Mark Bliss on August 31, 2014 at 2:56pm

Its all cool Ben, I just realized I had responded in part to a post that had disappeared.

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Permalink Reply by Ron "Oily" Sprague on August 31, 2014 at 6:59am

Mark,

Thanks for the clarification. I don't disagree with anything you've said. Listening to mainstream popular music can definitely be an exercise in frustration or disgust. And, we all like what we like, which may not float anyone else's boat. Some of what you're experiencing, I suspect, is that you've been exposed to a fairly large number of genres, where things have been played innovatively, for the first time, by several now-known-to-be greats. Anyone else following is an imitator. And we always seek novelty. Plus, as we age, we tend to denigrate "the new" as not approaching the quality of "the old" (which was new when we first heard it). No roasting necessary. It's all good. Variety is the spice of life, and several other tired cliches can be applied here.

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Permalink Reply by Mark Bliss on August 31, 2014 at 3:41pm

Thanks Ron

"Some of what you're experiencing, I suspect, is that you've been exposed to a fairly large number of genres, where things have been played innovatively, for the first time, by several now-known-to-be greats"

This is largely true. Being an avid music fan for about five decades, and being brought up in an environment of listening to "the classics" of multiple genres from several previous decades to that has presented me with the opportunity to experience an unusual amount of "new" and a diverse mix of innovation during an amazing period. I really do recognize and appreciate that.

Many of the "imitators" have brought their own flavor as well though. And while we may seek novelty, there is much to study and learn about what exactly it is that makes the great stuff work.

As far as "denigrating the new" I have long had the sense that some very powerful talent is always right there, it just takes a little extra effort to find it and experience it. The sad truth that most of those talented people will never be heard in the main stream has always troubled me, and with the direction the industry has headed in, this now appears far worse than ever. There is actually some REALLY amazing and pleasant stuff, its just well outside the mainstream. What's being fed to the masses is all about everything but the music itself.

I play, but I am not much of a performer. Wish I could be, but alas its not to be. Time has never allowed that to happen and now that my hands are stiff, aged and well, damaged, I have to accept its never to be. I enjoy music very much, and enjoy being in a situation where I can expand my collection of instruments, fiddle around, build and repair when time allows, this part is very good. I have devoted a huge amount of time and effort in the last decade into studying music. Theory, style, genre, technique, you name it. Trying to get a handle on what it is all about and drilling down, defining what it is that I like and why. Example: Previously, I never much cared for piano. Studying advanced music theory made me really appreciate what the things all about. I can't play it much but have learned to use it as a tool to learn, teach and communicate about musical concepts and ideas. 

But I think studying music production itself has had the most impact of all on me. Being more aware of what's really going on, and many hours of critical listening has really opened my eyes (and ears!)

Oh boy I am rambling. What was the subject again? LOL!

Uncle John, could you pass the tomato juice please?

 

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Permalink Reply by Uncle John on September 1, 2014 at 8:42am

Help your self, Mark.  :)

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Permalink Reply by smilingdog1 on August 31, 2014 at 5:09am

Ron, I like them all, including the covers. However, when casting my vote for the venue which is 1 of 3 coordinators. I tend to lean toward the garage band or spontaneous adventure into the unknown. I'm an advocate for no rules in style or Genre. The quality of performance doesn't have to be Columbia house material for the short period slotted for open mic -having said that, while many of us enjoy open mic, I also realize the paid entertainers draw the crowd and this is simply good business for our sponsor at the roadhouse.

I hope visitors of other countries come share their style and language or accent to the music.

Cuban, German, French or Jamaican Yeah or whatever!

I understand Mark completely and I find myself looking for a good pair of ear plugs every now and then but that's the price I'm willing to pay for unchaining the status quo.

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Permalink Reply by Cause the Blue rat on August 31, 2014 at 2:42am

Oily, that would make a great thread all by itself.

Awesome post Mark Bliss.

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Permalink Reply by smilingdog1 on August 31, 2014 at 5:15am

Got me my 1st Wah Cause the Blue rat! I feel a jam coming on!

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Permalink Reply by smilingdog1 on August 31, 2014 at 5:17am

By the way, I really enjoy you guys sharing you ideas open and honest. Much appreciated!

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Permalink Reply by Glenn Kaiser on August 31, 2014 at 2:48pm

Mark, Dog, Oily,

GREAT points imho. Just great points. Big world, lots of personal tastes, the mix is what keeps it interesting. The song indeed comes first but even that takes time to figure so one can choose the songs, not try to cover with production or just perform your way through trite and forgettable material. All of us get stretched re. patience for the novice who (we have all been or will be unless we're just dead or too intimidated to grow and try new things) has to start somewhere. I love the mix. Gumbo. But like all of us, sometimes I lean "gourmet" too.

Grace. -Glenn

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Permalink Reply by Mark Bliss on August 31, 2014 at 3:46pm

Thanks.

Grace indeed Glenn. Its not just for dinner.

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