what happened to jazz songwriting Discussions - Pittsburgh Jazz Network2024-03-28T23:41:27Zhttp://jazzburgher.ning.com/groups/group/forum?groupUrl=what-happened-to-jazz-songwriting&feed=yes&xn_auth=noJust give us the "pedestrian"...no time for JAZZtag:jazzburgher.ning.com,2018-10-02:1992552:Topic:4372612018-10-02T06:13:36.915ZDon Cerminarahttp://jazzburgher.ning.com/profile/DonCerminara
<p>What happened to jazz...specifically.."jazz writing"? Fairly simple! Jazz requires a fairly intelligent audience. You've got to LISTEN! The guys playin it were intelligent..as regards...chord changes..intricate interpretation of the tune. And...lots of heart!</p>
<p> If you listen to whats bein' played today...you're gonna hear 3-4 chord changes, very little in the way of lyrics, and what they pass off as lyrics, cant be understood anyway! As Buddy Rich used to say...Who? Chet…</p>
<p>What happened to jazz...specifically.."jazz writing"? Fairly simple! Jazz requires a fairly intelligent audience. You've got to LISTEN! The guys playin it were intelligent..as regards...chord changes..intricate interpretation of the tune. And...lots of heart!</p>
<p> If you listen to whats bein' played today...you're gonna hear 3-4 chord changes, very little in the way of lyrics, and what they pass off as lyrics, cant be understood anyway! As Buddy Rich used to say...Who? Chet Atkins? Answer? Did you ever hear Charlie Christian..or Lester Young..or Clifford Brown? Personally, I can add...Joe Pass, Stan Getz, Toots Theilmanns, Andy Fusco, Art Pepper! Get the idea?</p>
<p> People want to jump up and down..and point fingers upward. Its just a fact..the listening public hasn't the time or inclination..to just LISTEN! Country western? Fine if the venue is out west, sittin in a saddle. The Sons of the Pioneers? Ever heard Four Freshmen, New York Voices? Lack of space prohibits further diatribe!</p>
<p> O..one last question..Ever heard of Beethoven, Chopin Tschiakowski,Wagner? I don't think so..but..those were real "giants of music". One composition...written for 175 musicians! Enough Donny...you're livin in the past! Yes! But..what a past!</p>
<p> Don Cerminara</p>