Let's take a look at that all ilusive term Acid JAZZ. That second word
IS JAZZ! For a established, recognized, and respected JAZZ magazine like
Downbeat to take a serious, and respectful look at Acid Jazz, is
completley a step in the right direction for the music. Especially if it
is, "dying" or dead in the underground. It elevates it's status as a
new, inspired and accepted form of jazz.
And believe me, the last thing a write up in Downbeat is going to
accomplish is place it in the mainstream. You'd need articles in SPIN
and Rolling Stone for that to ever happen. All they're doing is giving
overdue props from the jazz world.
The damaging side of Acid jazz (from a jazz perspective) is it's lack
of dynamics, it's lack of group improvisation and it's reliance on
sequencers and drum machines. The other problem is the retro approach
of bands like BNH and Jamaroqui. Both of these bands, while very
talented, are simply rehashing grooves laid down in full force by Stevie
Wonder and a zillion jazz/funk projects from the seventies.
In "jazz land", a true imalgamation of hiphop beats (real drummer,
please) and jazz sensibilities (harmonic approach, improvisation &
interaction) is what will have staying power and modern relevance. This
turns JAZZ into a music enjoyed not only by the people who wanna hear
some dude blow, but also by the folks who wanna groove out. Kinda like
the way jazz started out...party music!
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JUKEJOINT'S CD "Choose To Groove" available in Toronto stores or by mail
. Check it Out!!
Visit the JUKEJOINT site http://www.interlog.com/~zoot