RE: [Harp-L] Real creativity

["Barnum, Ansel \(Ansel\)" <Ansel.Barnum@xxxxxxx>]

I?m not looking for them to change styles, I?m not even asking them to change songs (although that would be nice). All I want is to hear *some* innovation, which usually takes place during the solo-?that part of blues/jazz which distinguishes the genera as one of improvisation. Instead, I hear the same solo rehashed as it has been since the first time I heard it.

I don't think variation in standards would alienate fans. They're expectations are based primarily on the mood of the music, and secondarily on the song itself. Both can be preserved while at the same time innovating, even if it is only limited to the solo (whose adultery thereof few fans are going to take offense at).

Nor do I think that exceptions should be excluded because they?re exceptions. On the contrary, it is the fresh exception to the tired rule that I seek, for therein lies the source of inspiration: Those exceptional minds which break through the barriers of convention to pave an new path to creativity.





-----Original Message-----
From: lil Buddha [mailto:ltlbuddha@xxxxxxxxx]
Sent: Sun 5/6/2007 2:03 PM
To: Barnum, Ansel (Ansel); Harp-l
Subject: Re: [Harp-L] Real creativity
 
Ansel,

Setting aside the physical and psychological aspects of creativity and
aging, there is a very good reason your heroes do change their style; money.

The unfair dilemma fans often out on their idols is this very question. If
you are the same all the time, some of your listeners will get bored. If you
change, you risk alienating many fans. This seems to be especially true of
Blues.
If you have a fan base willing to buy your music, attend your concerts and
request your songs on the radio, you have no incentive to innovate.

Please, no Miles Davis referrals. He is an exception, as is Jazz. There are
other exceptions, but they are just that; Exceptions.