[Colorostikse]

Some interesting ruminations on this subject on Weeds blog:
http://www.coryweeds.ca/2007/07/maybe-the-cd-isnt-dead/

In my opinion there is more than a 'generational divide' here though. I think (and yes I know this is a gross generalization) that people who favor portable, digital media (mp3s, I-pods, downloads etc.) often listen to music in a particular way that's different than jazz people or 'serious' listeners of any genre do. There's a kind of 'wallpaper' aspect to some of this stuff. The music gets to be ubiquitous, it's everywhere and all the time. I can't speak for anybody but myself, but I just don't listen to music as background all that much. About the only time I do it in is the car. The rest of the time I'm either listening for specific, analytical purposes, or if it's recreational listening, I usually give it my full attention.

I find it difficult to just put stuff on and do something else, because either the music pulls my attention away from what I'm trying to do, or, if I concentrate and refuse to be distracted by it, it becomes an annoyance.

I honestly don't get the attraction of running around plugged into an I-pod 24/7, or listening to music on crappy little computer speakers while doing something else, as many of my students do. It'd drive me nuts.

I guess what I'm getting at is that portable, digital media tends to favor 'background' music. What we used to call "muzak."

[tattcasetle]

I don't think I could disagree with you more! You seem to equate people who listen to music on ipods or mp3's with people who aren't serious listeners. Just because I have my ipod on the bus doesn't mean that respect the music anymore. I listen analytical purposes but I also listen to music as background music while I work or travel. I can't speak for everyone else but I listen to my ipod as much as my discman (and walkman when I had that). I love music and want to listen to as much as possible. Equating digital music to "musak" (and I am presuming that you use that word in a negative manour) I don't think is that accurate. Is Coltrane Musak? What about Brahms? Fania All-Stars? All of these are on my ipod. Anyways, the discussion as to the differences between CD's and digital media is a fascinating one. The next few years are going to be very interesting while this relatively new medium matures.

[Colorostikse]

Please note that I stated clearly that this is a 'gross generalization.' You're obviously an exception.

I have no empirical evidence to back my assertion, no statistics or studies. But thinking back, I don't think I've ever, ever heard any Coltrane, Brahms, or Fania All-Stars leaking out of I-pod earbuds. It always seems to be much...lighter fare.

What I'm saying I guess is (a) I'm easily distracted and (b) music is special to me, and I have a hard time feeling 'special' about something that's pumped into my skull around the clock. It's just the way I am. I'm not saying everyone has to be the same way.

I also prefer live music to recorded music.

[DP5Ups8o]

I think it is a gross generalization to say that anyone who has an ipod is not a serious listener. I know lots of people who use ipods who have lots of great music on there and listen to it all seriously. However I also know the people who walk around all day with their music blaring. Personally, I do think (or have a feeling) that the idea of the ipod does contribute to the over stimulation that seems common place these days. So in that sense it makes me uneasy. On the other hand, there are definite advantages to "digital music". Cory's comment is very interesting and I hope it's true. I can say that I am one of the young people who would really just rather have a cd.

[AALee]

When I get to listen to my iPod, I consider it a real treat. I always have it on in the car, instead of the more-miss-than-hit radio. I have virtually all genres of music and usually play it on random so I get a real cross-section. I never listen to it when I'm with my son during the day because I, like John, tend to concentrate on the music when I'm listening. I don't want to shut him -- or the music -- out. So on the weekends when I'm not with him all day, it's a pleasure to go for a walk with my iPod on.

I also find it difficult to do work when music is on. I like to give it my attention. And whenever newbie friends ask me about jazz, I always stress that it's not background music! (I mean, I guess it can be at times, but it should also be given a serious listen to at some point.)

Now I'll go read what Cory had to say about it.

[uranbigis]

I think there is also an assumption that people who have iPods don't buy CDs. I have an iPod and I buy a shit load of CDs. I just like to load up my iPod when I'm on the bus or taking a long road trip. For John and Guy who like to give jazz "their full attention,"....well great! Thats awesome. I at time to like to just sit and close my eyes and really listen to the record and take it all in. When I'm on the bus or in my office just doing work, I love to have music on and I like the fact that I can dial up iTunes and hit random and have 1 of a thousand tunes that may come up. I use technology to its advantage absolutely buy I absolutely do not buy less CDs because I have an iPod.

I got a memo from my U.S. distributor stating that they have experienced a spike in their business and more specifically CD sales. I don't think things are quite dead yet.

[AALee]

I'm with you, Cory. I buy the cd then load it to my iPod. And when I'm on the bus or elsewhere, I can give the music full attention because there's nothing else to do. I just can't do it when I'm working. But I don't mind occassionally having it as background music when friends are over.

[olivelappers]

Even with the qualification, it still seems like crazy geezer talk John. ("Get off my damn lawn! Damn kids....")

[Colorostikse]

ellrod wrote:

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[Colorostikse]

Click here for a picture of George standing in front of his club before the grand, post-Katrina re-opening.

http://www.snugjazz.com/

[grattperret]

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[Colorostikse]

tnutz wrote:

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[grattperret]

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[Colorostikse]

[quote]There are many Blue Note recordings where performers are 'taking a big chance' and going for it. Perhaps because of the availability of technology and the immediacy of editing, it is possible to piece together a performance that lacks a certain energy that an 'off the floor' performance has. Rudy Van Gelder, of course, didn't have that ability back then and so what we get is what we get, flubbs and all.[quote]

I'm not sure if you're getting my point. Are you honestly saying that the excitement and immediacy of an actually event is no different than the experience of sitting at home listening to a CD?

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[grattperret]

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[DP5Ups8o]

I think it's obvious that listening to a CD is not going to be the same as a live performance. They both are what they are. Most people prefer live performances to sitting at home listening to a CD. But I don't think that the CD is any less valid. Some of my most profound and enjoyable listening experiences have been sitting at home with my records. So I guess this part of your argument I don't understand. Coltrane recorded A Love Supreme, some of my favourite music ever, without an audience. Are you saying it would only be valid for me to acknowledge this music if I was in the studio? Interesting, Coltrane performed the same piece the next year in France and it falls short for me, although maybe I can not judge because I was not actually there. I acknowledge that recorded music is not "the same" as live music, but I see that as an advantage that leads to more varied experiences.

[Colorostikse]

I'm sorry if any of this comes across as a personal attack. It's certainly not meant that way. It's just that I get frustrated when I feel I'm not being understood. Again, I really don't understand what the big deal is. All I'm saying is that real life is more exciting than 'recorded' life. Being 'in' the world is a richer experience than listening to a simulacrum of it through a teeny little pair of ear buds.

John Patton wrote:
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[AALee]

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[Cheeniandab]

I heard recently that "A Love Supreme" is full of cuts and splices. That was a surprise to me.

[tattcasetle]

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