Jazz

[Justin Schwartz]

As for jazz DJs, I guess I have been lucky. In Ann Arbor, Detroit, Columbus, 
and Chicago, the Djs on the jazz stations I have lsitened to have not 
adopted the lethal tone characteristic of classical DJs, who seem to think 
they are in church and we should worship their offerings; if the jazz DJs do 
elsewhere, it is unfortunate. it is unforunate on classical stations.  Doug 
finds he doesn't _like_ jazz, which is OK; me, I like classical, but I'd 
rather listen to jazz. I don't much care for modern classical, after 
Stravinsky; I recognize that it can be fine in its way, but it doesn't 
engage me. That's all right; Parker doesn't have to engage Doug. Go listen 
to Webern and Madonna. (Me, as far as pop goes, I'd rather hear Blondie.) 
--jks


>
>
> >>> dhenwood at panix.com 01/19/01 10:48AM >>>
>
>The culture surrounding jazz has always mystified me. Though it's a
>kind of "popular" music, there's an air of painfully high seriousness
>among
>afficionados. Jazz DJs assume a tone of almost funereal reverence
>when they identify what they've just played, and read the name of
>everyone associated with the recording except the janitor who swept
>the studio. It's like they're trying soooo hard to be taken seriously
>that you almost suspect them of a cultural anxiety about not being
>really serious. I mean, not everything has to be on a par with the
>Hammerklavier sonata.
>
>(((((((((((
>
>CB: I know where you are coming from.
>
>Actually, the original culture surrounding jazz was Black people partying. 
>It was a component part of Black highlife and merriment.  If you want to 
>get the feel of the culture that generated jazz, you would have to go to a 
>Black cabaret or house party in the 'hood. It is not serious , but fun. 
>However, jazz is now hip hop. The blues is dialectical, and things change, 
>just as Black life has.
>
>Black is beautiful !
>

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