Now, why are you on this list, Fingers? Your only positive comments so far have
been on the 'old', while a definite sarcastic tone hits when you talk about the
'new'. Hate to say this, but what we sometimes call 'acid jazz' is all new, or
new twists on old styles, and discussion here often focuses on new releases. To
me, 'acid jazz' is an experimentation in the fusion of musical styles (like jazz
players experimented in the past... get it?) such as hip hop fused with be-bop,
acoustic fused with electronic, linear fused with non-linear.
Which brings me to my next point. I am one of the 'large number of artists' that
you insulted by your talk of formula and musicianship. This may be an alarming
concept to you, Fingers, but many musicians in this world practice in
non-formulic areas, reaching into what composers have refered to as non-linear.
Electronic music makes possible the chain breaking that creates spiritual
expression without the necessary formula of acoustic, group oriented playing (of
course, electronic music hasn't only made this possible, as thousands of years
of Eastern music is an example). Check out Karlheinz Stockhausen. Check out
Throbbing Gristle. Check out Grandmaster Flash. Check out Eric B and Rakim.
Check out DJ Shadow. Check out Wagon Christ. The list goes on, Fingers, and,
yes, some of these artists I've mentioned fall under an 'acid jazz' defintion.
Even with their non-linear compositions and refusal of a "2+2=4" attitude to
music.
So, the next time you want to call us "kiddies", look at yourself. You, sir, are
the "kiddie" in our world. We'd be happy to educate and turn you on to NEW
sounds and ideas, but don't spoil our ride with your attitude.
In the end, all I really mean is PEACE...
Michael Donaldson
EIGHTH DIMENSION RECORDS / SOUL POWER MAGAZINE