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From: Mike Curtis
Date: Sun, 18 Jan 1998 21:55:12 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: Xerox machines

On Sat, 17 Jan 1998, Coolrays wrote:

>

I see both sides of the coin, and agree with both. I don't mind at all
hearing an OCCASIONAL tribute/copy. I even do a couple myself - Big
Walters "EASY", for example (although there are of course numerous
BW versions of this one :-) is a classic, and I do it as a tribute to BW,
as well as because I happen to really like the tune.

What I DON'T like is WHOLE NIGHT of "Ya might as well have stayed home and
listened to your CDs, dude, because they're ain't an original bone in any
of our bodies". Blues is an improvisational form. So is jazz. And so is
rock - supposedly. I really feel cheated when people playing these genres
don't/can't cut the most important thing in these genres.

Classical is different. Here, the whole point is to 1. play the chart,
and 2. within strict limitations find ways to better express the music as
written. Coltrane taking off during Eine Kleine Nachtmusik would be about
as welcome as the bandleaders reaction when Lisa Simpson takes off on a
blues sax solo during their awful school band rehearsals.

I usually find that copy/cover bands lack expression as well, unlike the
classical musicians who plainly put their hearts into the music.

I also find that original bands who do note for note tributes occasionally
are able to still put some of their personality into it, so even if it's
note for note, there are usually some unique expressions to it.

>I'd like to point out that it's called the 'entertainment industry' and not
>the 'art and music emporium.' It's business and entertainment, period.
>Whether one is playing Carnegie Hall or the neighborhood blues bar, it's
>about pulling rabbits out of hats and hearing the cash register ring.
>You'll never see WJ on an album of mine but you can see me play it most
>nights because it helps me entertain my audience and keeps club owners
>asking me back.

Exactly. Contrary to popular opinion, we musicians have to eat, too.


-- IronMan Mike Curtis
My CD "Doin' It All Myself" available in Tower, Blockbuster, Camelot, PX