h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I recall two widely separated reactions to Bird's music. One was from a very talented musician who considered Bird an example of "shredding" a tune. I had to ask him what this term meant - the response was along the lines of playing with notable fluidity, or maybe effortlessness. B.B King's guitar playing gets similar comments from other musicians.

The second reaction was from a middle-aged lady who asked for a recommendation on jazz. I loaned her a Bird cassette, which she said, in no uncertain terms, was garbage.

The ear of the beholder, I guess ...

Indeed

Charlie Parker's style seems to invoke the same response as marmite - you either love it or loathe it.

shazz

Marmite, hmmm, lessee ...

"a. A large, covered earthenware or metal cooking pot. b. A small, covered earthenware casserole designed to hold an individual serving."

I didn't realize people felt so strongly about these ...

But the mistake with the lady was mine - I don't think Bird is the right answer for an intro to jazz, probably Dave Brubeck would have been better, e.g. "Take Five". About the only worse suggestion might be Thelonius Monk, who "... played in a dissonant, often humorous style characterized by subtle rhythmic irregularities." Now, when *I* do this (not so subtly), everybody recognizes it as a lack of skill and talent and practice and ...

Ah yes Dave Brubeck

I would have gone for Bluette, Blue Rondo a la Turk, It's a Raggy Waltz and Kathy's Waltz... my personal favourites.

I also loved playing Billy Mayerl, but I guess he almost steps into the ragtime era of Scott Joplin etc.

shazz

shazz -

Yup, with Brubeck, it's all good (even on old vinyl, as in my case). But I think "Take Five" is his legacy, or whatever the correct term is. Most (older) Americans, anyway, will hum along and even dance a little when they hear it. A great tribute to a great composition. AND in five, a beat I cannot play ...

An old joke ... the drummer says, "I don't see the problem in playing in 7 time: one - two - three - four - five -six - sev - un ..."

I agree that Take 5 is the definitive Brubeck and certainly the piece which shot him to worldwide recognition (and probably fame). I'm just trying to think... Pick up Sticks is in 7 I think. (Sadly my treasured copy of 'Time Out and Time Further Out' for piano solo was wrecked in the floods 4 years ago ) They used it for a theme to a radio 4 programme, but I can't remember which one now... my brain needs a reboot.

shazz

I've got "Time Out and time Further Out", it shows "Pickup Sticks" in 6/4 (3/2) - and then the second improvisation shows 3/3 3/2 (actually a straight line with two 3's above and a 3 and a 2 below). Beats me (no pun intended). I grew up playing rock guitar, I thought everything was in 4/4. It does say "The chord of Bb7 is used throughout", that I can handle

Blue Rondo a la Turk is in 9/8 (2+2+2+3/8), Unsquare Dance is in 7/4. Brubeck must have majored in percussion at one point, like my piano teacher. Percussion ensemble music not only has weird time signatures, it changes every other measure or so.

Ah yes... it was Unsquare Dance I was thinking of

I think I have tracked down where to get my hands on TO and TFO, but as separate books rather then under the one cover which they originally were. The publishing company went under a few years ago, sadly. Then I just need to get my hands on a piano again.


I love the changes in rhythmic emphasis he employs... it is the modern equivalent of early baroque music which made great use of frequent speed and beat changes also. At least he (Brubeck) warns of these in his notation, which was more than the 14th - 16th century composers bothered to do!

shazz