This is an interesting point. One that I agree with on some levels. But
for me, it raises a few questions. On one hand, I would agree that in a
way, the use of sampling today could be considered a parallel to the
be-bop musicians covering/redoing the older jazz compositions. But at
the same time, Bird's reharmonization of "How High The Moon"
demonstrates a much more sophisticated evolution in music, than say US 3
taking the melody from "Song For My Father."
Now, I am not trying to say that complexity is better than something
that is not. Because in the end it is about music and what it means for
us and how it plays out in our lives. But I feel the need to ask the
question, "What does this all mean? What does it mean for the evolution
of music? What is next?"
Personally, I don't mind sampling. It is just that if we accept
sampling to be a contemporary parallel to the revolution of be-bop, we
are selling ourselves short. Be-bop was such a departure from its
roots. It was truly revolutionary. I don't think that anything in music
since then has been so explosive. It isn't something that we can control
but I think that it helps to be aware of where we are going and where we
came from.
brian