Quote from: MDease on Jan 24, 2008, 04:15PM
Dave Gibson is, and will always be one of my musical heroes. I transcribed his album (Maya) 2 years ago, and it has had a BIG influence on me. (here comes the joke)I think it's great that I can excerpt a piece of his earlier post as a press quote.
"...what Mike achieved here could be done by any trained chimp."
-David Gibson-
Gotta get back to the horn... I just looked at the record photo of JJ on the wall, and I think it may have frowned at me.
MD
I guess it's appropriate that you take a quote of mine and use it out of context before the press has the opportunity. How about the next line in the post?
MD, don't listen to too much of this sh#%. An old line about opinions is coming to me. I think it's unfortunate that a forum created to celebrate everything trombone can frequently turn into Piñata play. While we're busy throwing out unconstructive criticism, the rest of the world doesn't care. They don't even know we exist....and they probably won't. I'm not suggesting that we reduce the passion of our beliefs, but that we stop attacking the beliefs of others. Even in examining the small criteria of jazz, I find it beautifully fascinating that there is room for both Miles Davis and Woody Shaw. There is room for Stan Getz and John Coltrane....and has anyone one seen the clip of them playing together? There is room for Frank Rosolino and Curtis Fuller...in fact, they were friends and admirers of one another dating back to their Detroit days.
Are we capable of having a preference without discounting the value of everything else? I know that the world is a rough place and that people have expectations and if you don't meet them that you won't be successful in those situations. I know that rejection is an important part of life. But, I have always thought of this place as a sanctuary for those of us who care about music played on a trombone. Where there is music played on a trombone, whether I like the music or not, the world is better for all of us. If someone is hearing a trombone, they are probably saying, "what is that?"....But, if they see and hear one enough times, they might begin to say, "I don't know if I like that thing.".....But, when they go to book a band for a party or club or some other kind of affair, another trombone player might get some work since that person will expect a trombone to be a part of a band.
I'm not trying to go "We Are the World" on everyone, but it's really tiring to see the tribal wars that go on in this place. I think MD plays his behind off. I have much admiration for the dedication that everyone here has given to music on a trombone and am positive that any of the outspoken members of this forum would have my respect when they might be speaking through their horns. I give that respect freely and generously. I think it's worth it to everyone here to be more careful with our criticisms. I have been privileged to spend copious amounts of time with legendary figures in jazz. They have shared numerous stories with me about how jazz icon "x" was so hurt by the writing of critic "Y" that it nearly brought him to tears. I'm referring to musicians that are almost universally accepted as the most creative in the music's history.
RHM, I would never assert that you should like MD's playing. I'm just saying that you are likely educated enough to recognize all that it contains, as well as the elements that are missing for you.
I should watch MD's clip again so I'll be inspired to continue practicing.
DG
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