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From:
KaisrSolze
To:
Date:
Fri, 10 Apr 1998 17:32:37 EDT
Subject:
(idm) Jazz (was Re:d'n'b)
Msg-Id:
<28a301e3.352e8ff7@aol.com>
Mbox:
idm.9804.gz
1) to work with the form (eg squarepusher, jega, rdj, etc.),
quoted 1 line using its formal elements but always as an expansion of the form; and> >using its formal elements but always as an expansion of the form; and
quoted 4 lines I think of this as basically being programmed jazz. Not that it isn't>I think of this as basically being programmed jazz. Not that it isn't >doing things never before done with jazz (for instance, extremely flanged >perfect 96th-note-triplets ascending in perfect linear pitch or volume >ain't exactly Max Roach or Buddy Rich)
I really am not feeling this comment at all... Maybe it's just my flawed outlook, but programmed jazz isn't jazz at all. The way I see it, jazz=improvisation. Sometimes this improv is within a strict form (bebop, etc.), sometimes it's "free jazz." But programming jazz strips it of its essential nature. I'm going to make an ass out of myself with this comment, but a lot of people on this list seem to have a skewed conception of what jazz is. People like limp 70's fusion, the programmed noodling of various newer musicians, elevator lite jazz Bukem style, etc. That's fine, it isn't my taste, but it's your right. It just bothers me when you call it jazz, because it's another beast entirely. Anyway, I guess that leaves me questioning the limits of IDM, and electronic music in general. I think programming can go a really long way... But has anyone really been able to achieve the same level of communication and interaction with their synths and computer programs that a moderately gifted player can with a sax or guitar or other physical instrument? Is any computer program as flexible and nuanced as a physical instrument, dynamically and otherwise? Maybe in a few years electronic musicians will be able to instantly call up exactly the sound they want, but I don't see that capability existing now. In some ways, I would think that DJs are further along than the teeming hoards of white boys with sequencers. At least they can almost instantly choose any record, and any sound ever recorded... Still, there are technology limitations —turntables can only pitch up and down so far, djs can't switch record instantly... There's still a long way to go. So what's my point? Just that I don't mean to flame or insult anyone, but there's still a fundamental difference between electronic and electric/acoustic/physical music. And paying lip service to being "jazzy" or anything else isn't going to change that. Sam who will kill aol if it eats this message too