Re: [Harp-L] NHC: Pat on Kenny

["Rob Paparozzi" <Chromboy@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Martin,

I'm not going to defend Kenny G, I don't care for his music and actually I'm
not a fan of Pat Metheny's music either but both are very different indeed.
I think the biggest dilemma we have is including the word 'JAZZ' when
describing Kenny G and 'Smooth Jazz' Music.

I'm not big on labeling genres as I feel it creates problems, but I'd call
that music 'INSTRUMENTAL POP' instead of anything with Jazz in the title.

No, I wasn't happy about him inserting himself with Louis Armstrong on a 
Video but that is not the point I'm arguing here....

What I do object to is the 'bashing' approach Metheny has taken, his 'Jazz
Snobbery' is what i find the biggest turn off. Kenny G is a product of
commercial music in America. It was this same snobbery that kept the great 
Bandleader and arr Stan Kenton in the press during his career calling 
Country Music  "Ignorant and perverted". Another words, OUR Jazz is hip and 
all others forms of music are for the 'musical hopeless'.

The Fact of the matter is Kenny G sells records and makes crowds happy, if 
you don't like it get over it, don't listen to it but leave the guy alone we 
don't need musical 'bullying'.  He found a way to get rich and more power to 
him...I don't see Springsteen getting as much heat for cutting deals to sell 
'volume' with wal-mart! It's done all the time....it's called the Music 
BUISNESS. Unfortunately, the buisness part too many times overshadows 
creativity and as you said 'Quality'.

Steering this argument back to Harmonica, I saw some of these same 
tendencies of musical 'elitism' in amazing players like Larry Adler and even 
Eddy Manson. They were very open about putting down other players and genres 
on the Harmonica and to me it took away from there greatness, that is just 
my opinion ofcourse and I have tremendous respect for their beautiful music 
and unique contributions to our instrument.


IMO, the world is LARGE and there is a place for so many styles of music and 
performers.....unfortunately in America, the 'Schmaltz' has always been a 
bit out of control,-).....but it's what makes US, US...no pun intended.-)

PS....on another topic, I'll be in Sweden in June, let me know if it's close 
and if you wanna make the show, love to have ya as a guest!
Liseberg, Göteborg, Sweden (Blood Sweat and Tears)

Best,
Rob Paparozzi



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "martin oldsberg" <martinoldsberg@xxxxxxxxx>
To: <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>; <chromboy@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>; <diachrome@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sunday, April 18, 2010 7:58 AM
Subject: Re: [Harp-L] NHC: Pat on Kenny


Have to disagree most profoundly with the estimable Rob P here: This Kenny
guy gives schmaltz a bad name.
Got nothing at all against straight melody playing, on the contrary. King
Curtis, Wes M, Grant Green, Don Byas -- those first two, at least, also made
a fair buck in their day just by doing that. Well deserved. But you never
felt you hade to disinfect yourself after listening to them. (Could even
throw in a couple of harp players for good measure and to be more on topic.)
However, quality in art is NEVER to be judged by it´s success, either as
influence or affluence. That puts you on the wrong path, IMO.

Also, look at his schmozing, sucking up or whatever it´s called.
Un-dignified.

With Sunday grumpiness,
Martin

-------------------------------------------------------------
Hi Michael,

Well I for one do not agree with Pat Metheny, he sounds a bit jealous,-) No,
Kenny G may not be as deep as Pat would like him to be....but he found a
market in the pop world and has turned on many audiences to sounds they
would not have heard before be it smooth jazz or pop....nobody disses George
Benson when he does his quasi-jazz-pop thing.....some call it selling out
y'all can be the judge of that....I just play music and the $$$ pays my
bills......

Anyway bottom line on this list is Harp content,-)))....Metheny has played
with Gregoire who I LOVE!! BUT, has Metheny done this?:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZ8FjBjdNSQ&feature=related

At the end he gives him his 64!!!! Geez!,-)

Love & Peace,
Rob