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From: dijk~orldaccess.nl
Date: Fri, 06 Sep 96 18:07:38 GMT
Subject: Wim and Jazz Chromatic, RE to B.B.B.

On 06-09-96, Barry B. Bean wrote:

> I'm still having a hard time figuring out why you feel it necessary
> to make this point. ALL musicians' playing is influenced by the
> tunings system of their instrument. Likewise, ANY tuning system is
> going to affect note choice, including the one you advocate.
>

Yes, but I think a symmetrical tuning system will suit my playing better than
the normal tuning. I will try it out and maybe you are right maybe not.

> Perhaps you'd prefer that he play fast runs based on the tuning
> system of the C-melody saxophone?
>

Please read my texts carefully and you will understand perfectly what I am
trying to say.

> I think you're off base here. Larry Adler, Hendrik Meurkens, and
> Howard Levy (the examples that come to mind) have each carved out
> substantial followings among non-harmonica players, and each has a
> different sound than Toots. Each is also well rooted in a different
> aspect of their entire musical tradition, and not simply the music of
> Thielmans.
>

Howard Levy is playing a diatonic harmonica. So, mentioning this player is out
of context. Also, when you have been reading all the writings concerning the
tuning system and the jazz (harmonica) sound you should know what kind of music
AND way of playing I am interested in. So, mentioning Larry Adler is out of
context.
Next month, I planned to buy Hendrik Meurkens newest CD. The last one I have
heard is 'A View From Manhattan'. Maybe his playing changes a lot?


> A "white" concept of jazz playing? Jazz has, from its very inception,
> been such a mix of influences that any argument that includes white
> playing and black playing as major factors is doomed to be an
> over-simplification.

I am sorry, but I think you should not interpret these quotations out of
context. Although what you write is highly interesting, please try to
understand WHY I wrote down such a quotation. I took it from some history
books, so if you don't agree with these books, no problem for me.


> Clearly, its impossible to be a great player and ignore either the
> melody or the scales. Any player venbturing beyond the printed page
> must borrow from both, and attempts to divide the jazz world into
> Bean-heads and Prez followers will miss a great deal.

I agree.

Wim Dijkgraaf
The Netherlands