Several things annoy me in relation to modern jazz 'fusion' efforts. I'm sure
that all this has been said more eloquently elsewhere, but anyhow...
The worst is producers (esp. in dnb) who use gratuitous double bass and
looped sax to add the depth or artistic credibility that they seem to see
lacking in their own music.
IMO, one of the things that has characterised jazz since the beginning is a
willingness to sound new, alien and dangerous, and to annoy traditionalists.
You'd expect Miles or 'trane or Bird (or whatever name you want to drop) to
be more interested in nuttah jungle or hard techno than
easy-listening-and-bass.
Also, this denies that techno (in the broadest sense) can be deep or credible
on its own: I see Photek, Klute et al as infinitely more worthwhile than
(recent) 4 Hero.
The reverse of this, which is equally irritating, is jazz musicians (no
names, no packdrill) using superficial 'dance music' stylings to be relevant.
Conscisely, I don't like people self consciously combining half digested
styles to conceal they lack of belief in what they do best.
That said, I'm sure that there has been some excellent jazz + idm stuff...
I've a feeling that I've heard some superb sounding stuff on Mixing It or
Peel. Meanwhile, for both style and substance, check out fusion to late
period Miles... especially Miles runs the voodoo down, Tribute to Jack
Johnson and On the corner. (Actually, could anyone who isn't just blagging it
recommend more in this vein?)
Also note that I DO entirely endorse the use of double bass in electronic
music.
thanks
d.
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