New Year's Musical Resolutions

Richard Pinnell · December-18th-2005, 06:29 PM

Well as the new year approaches and we all start making silly lists, I thought it would be nice if we all made resolutions for our new year's listening.

My resolution is to try and remember which CDs I have actually listened to and which I have not before I file them away on the shelves, and below is photographic evidence of another JC inhabitant's resolution for 2006;

Alastair · December-19th-2005, 07:31 PM

Now that's a handsome (if misguided) gentleman.

RainyDay · December-19th-2005, 07:55 PM

To figure out a way to receive KCSM at work so I can listen to jazz all day again. I really miss hearing jazz during the day.

kedoane · December-19th-2005, 08:06 PM

1) Join the San Jose Jazz Society.
2) Find the time between caregiving duties and TV land so that I can enjoy some live jazz.
3) Work hard at KSJS so that I don't lose my on air shift.
4) Convince more of my trainees to do an on air jazz shift.

kyrre_laastad · December-19th-2005, 08:35 PM

"Get more thoroughly composed music, and put aside more time for real listening, you dumbass", is my resolution.

Dr Dave · December-20th-2005, 10:17 AM

Some time before June 2006 I'm going into the studio with my songwriting partner Ray Soave, and our favorite drummer, Scott Ernest, and we're not coming out until we have something we're proud of. Well, I guess we'll have to come out eventually.

Boris Badenov · December-20th-2005, 10:20 AM

GET OUT TO HEAR MORE LIVE MUSIC, GODDAMMIT!

There's no excuse to live in the DC area and miss so much music. It ain't NY, but...

Squaredancecalling Steve · December-20th-2005, 10:54 AM

My pre-New Year's resolution is to put a hold on buying new stuff for a while. One of my dancers just gave me the 6-CD set of Harry Smith's Smithsonian Folkways American Folk Music collection (Sweet!) and I just scored another half-dozen discs from the local Salvation Army for $1.50 each -- Planet Squeezebox (the single-disc version), Richard and Linda Thompson's "Shoot Out The Lights", some Delarocha doing Beethoven, etc. So I'm getting a little backed up.

Uli · December-21st-2005, 11:32 AM

Post more pictures

Doc Martin · December-21st-2005, 11:42 AM

I’m considering to start listening to some EAI, and find out what all the “fuss” is about.

Any suggestions on where to start?

Oh yea, what the Dickens does EAI stand for?

jazzgregg · December-21st-2005, 11:45 AM

Practice more and fire no band members.

G

Steve Reynolds · December-21st-2005, 11:51 AM

eai - "electro-acoustic improvisation"

where to start?

for me:

Schnee
Rowe-Beins: Live
A View From The Window
Bits, Bots and Signs
Wrapped Islands
Duos for Doris
Cloud
Lidingo

all good places, I think

Doc Martin · December-21st-2005, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Reynolds

eai - "electro-acoustic improvisation"

where to start?

for me:

Schnee
Rowe-Beins: Live
A View From The Window
Bits, Bots and Signs
Wrapped Islands
Duos for Doris
Cloud
Lidingo

all good places, I think

Aha, I surmised the E and I, but couldn’t get the A.
Thanks for the list, Steve.
Now, where do I look in the record store?

John B · December-21st-2005, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doc Martin

I’m considering to start listening to some EAI, and find out what all the “fuss” is about.

Any suggestions on where to start?

Oh yea, what the Dickens does EAI stand for?

based on what I have seen in your "What are you listening to" posts I would suggest starting with something on the more "melodic" end of the eai spectrum.

My first choice for you would be Martin Siewert / Martin Brandlmayr - Too Beautiful to Burn.

After that Keith Rowe / Günter Müller / Taku Sugimoto - The World Turned Upside Down and Burkhard Stangl / Christof Kurzmann - Schnee would both be excellent choices.

These are all available directly from Jon at a reasonable price.

There is a very wide variety of sounds in this genre, so these discs are in no way representative of eai as a whole, but would all be a good way for you to get your feet wet.

Look here - www.erstwhilerecords.com for the discs both Steve and I suggested. Jon has soundclips available for all albums.

Jon Abbey · December-21st-2005, 12:03 PM

yeah, if you buy Ersts, get them directly from me if possible. you can get 3 for $36 including shipping, 5 for $55. I'm happy to answer any questions, in the eai thread or by private e-mail. MIMEO/John Tilbury-The Hands of Caravaggio is another interesting entry point.

Squaredancecalling Steve · December-21st-2005, 12:07 PM

Doc: I'd go with

Too Beautiful To Burn
The Hands of Caravaggio
Erstlive 001

as being the easiest for someone coming from your musical backgound. All have melodic elements plus a forward, narrative-like vector (much of the repertoire seems to have a very slow or even static time sense, which I often have a harder time connecting with).

jaka · December-21st-2005, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Squaredancecalling Steve

Doc: I'd go with
Too Beautiful To Burn
The Hands of Caravaggio
Erstlive 001

A list I totally second.

Steve Reynolds's recs for A View From The Window and Duos for Doris seem very good ones too.

I'd add Erstlive 004, not to be missed and powerful. But maybe it's because I like it so much.

Doc Martin · December-21st-2005, 12:27 PM

John B, Jon Abbey, Squaredancecalling Steve and jaka,

Thanks for the information and tips!

Gentle Giant · December-21st-2005, 12:38 PM

Now, go to the eai thread if you want to continue that topic.

My resolution is to play more, play better, and play louder!

rollhead · December-22nd-2005, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gentle Giant

My resolution is to play more, play better, and play louder!

Along those lines, my resolution is keep practicing, practice longer, and practice dynamics.

I haven't missed a day with my axe since I first picked it up on Valentine's Day 2003. My goal is to beat Wynton Marsalis's personal record of seven years non-stop. Just 4+ more years to go, and I'll have him whupped.

I started at 50. I figure by the time I am 70, I'll be able to play a tune or two, and I'll be ready for open mic night at the local biker bar.

Gary Sisco · December-22nd-2005, 08:43 AM

Mine is to hear less music and listen more.

Steve Reynolds · December-22nd-2005, 08:51 AM

Gary:

from my recent experiences, it might be a blast for you

I am currently very excited about music once more

my resolution is to be free from preconceived notions and listen with an open heart and an open mind

and my dream is to get all my patience back foir music and for life

working well so far

kedoane · December-30th-2005, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kedoane

1) Join the San Jose Jazz Society.
2) Find the time between caregiving duties and TV land so that I can enjoy some live jazz.
3) Work hard at KSJS so that I don't lose my on air shift.
4) Convince more of my trainees to do an on air jazz shift.

Number one is done. Numbers 2, 3, and 4 are works in progress.

crawjo · December-31st-2005, 12:43 AM

My biggest resolution is to buy less music, and spend more time listening to the music I do buy. A second resolution is to stop wasting money on run of the mill jazz releases (a pox on your house, Thirsty Ear) and spend more money on non-Erstwhile (won't be hard to do, since I have the whole catalog now anyway) free improv discs. In particular I want to spend more time investigating the Tokyo scene, which I already have dipped into. But I'm looking to boost in particular my Sachiko M, Otomo, and Tetuzi Akiyama collections.

Doc, if I were to advise someone on where to start with the Erstwhile catalog, I would recommend the following three releases first:

1. Too Beautiful to Burn
2. ErstLive 001
3. Duos for Doris

After that I'd recommend dach, Lidingo, and A View from the Window. If you are ever at the point where you want to dip into the Tokyo scene, get do first.

Jon Abbey · December-31st-2005, 01:19 AM

my man Reynolds bought himself EL005 and Too Beautiful To Burn for Christmas, can't wait to hear the report on those, especially the latter. Martin Brandlmayr, baby.

letchhausen · December-31st-2005, 02:46 AM

Since it looks like I got a promotion at work with a substantial raise, Jon will be happy to know that I have no such illusions about buying less. Someone's got to help Jon get that mansion! My true goal is to be more methodical about listening as I get purchases. I've had a listening journal for years but use it too little. I've designed a form for my computer where I can put a rating, initial thoughts and later thoughts and a later rating. I hope to start using to keep better track of what I have and what I've listened to. As a mnemonic I'm hoping that a more structured approach will allow me to remember more. My goal lies in writing so I think this will inspire me more, make deeper associations and just generally enjoy the contemplation of sound.
But more importantly, I hope that I can avoid hearing any Van der Graaf Generator.

crawjo · December-31st-2005, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by letchhausen

Since it looks like I got a promotion at work with a substantial raise, Jon will be happy to know that I have no such illusions about buying less. Someone's got to help Jon get that mansion! My true goal is to be more methodical about listening as I get purchases. I've had a listening journal for years but use it too little. I've designed a form for my computer where I can put a rating, initial thoughts and later thoughts and a later rating. I hope to start using to keep better track of what I have and what I've listened to. As a mnemonic I'm hoping that a more structured approach will allow me to remember more. My goal lies in writing so I think this will inspire me more, make deeper associations and just generally enjoy the contemplation of sound.
But more importantly, I hope that I can avoid hearing any Van der Graaf Generator.

Sounds like a good project. My present situation pretty much necessitates that I economize on my purchases this year, which I view as a fortunate thing because it will force me to cut out the crap that I end up not liking anyway. I have a trip to Africa this summer that I need to save up for...

letchhausen · December-31st-2005, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard Pinnell

Well as the new year approaches and we all start making silly lists, I thought it would be nice if we all made resolutions for our new year's listening.

My resolution is to try and remember which CDs I have actually listened to and which I have not before I file them away on the shelves, and below is photographic evidence of another JC inhabitant's resolution for 2006;

And I forgot. My other resolution is to buy more CD's than Richard Pinnell this year........and to fly to London to have a VDG-free prog fest with Alastair....

bostontricky · December-31st-2005, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary Sisco

Mine is to hear less music and listen more.

Yes.

In particular, the erst discs piling up around here...

Richard Pinnell · December-31st-2005, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by letchhausen

And I forgot. My other resolution is to buy more CD's than Richard Pinnell this year.....

I'd happilly let you win that little bet Chris, but these buggers will keep releasing more music...

Would be good if there was a twelve month break from all musicians to give us all a chance to catch up and follow Gary's wise resolution for a bit.... besides, I'm running out of shelf space!

Happy New Year to all