...and so is Juan. And Carl Craig, Kenny Larkin, Claude Young, and
just about every other significant Detroit techno artist. It's
possible that techno is not commonly thought of as black music be-
cause certain *white* artists have been more commercially success-
ful at it than the originators. This situation reminds me of Paul
Whiteman, the self-proclaimed "King of Jazz" in the 30's and 40's.
Fortunately the history books have corrected that mis-conception.
He's now more like the "Footnote of Jazz." ;-)
David Byrne said something quite relevant to this thread in the new
issue of _Straight No Chaser_. I quote:
"It's probably not my idea but I'm convinced that musical history of
the 20th century will be the history of the influence of African music
throughout the world. At the beginning of the century it made itself
felt through jazz, blues then eventually rock and roll, pop, funk and
disco, then salsa. Salsa introduced West African music, and Afro pop
influences stuff in Paris and other parts of the world. What we take
to be our culture, so much of it is informed by whatever African music
and African sensibility and it's so deep in there, our whole more
relaxed, funkier sense of being is influenced by Africa. The groove
has conquered the world more thoroughly and completely than the
multinationals, than Coca Cola or Levi's. It has liberated millions
of young minds and bodies from the strictures of Western thinking,
your posture, they way you walk, the clothes you wear, everything."
Well said.
-- Mark Turner mturner@netcom.com