The 2010 Grammy Nominees have been announced. Two great blog posts by NPR Jazz and Jazz Articles did a wonderful job of breaking down not only the jazz category, but how jazz fit into other categories.
While I will admit I do not really keep up with new and popular music, skimming through the categories, a few thoughts came to mind.
I received this in an email this past week. Couldn't resist passing along. Partially because some of it rings true.
How to Play Jazz Sax
A Primer for Beginners
First things first. If you're a white guy, you'll need a stupid hat, the more stupid the better and preferably a beret. Sunglasses are optional, but all the really, really good players wear them, especially indoors. You'll also need some gig shirts. Hawaiians are good, but in a pinch anything with a loud floral pattern is acceptable, as are T shirts from various Jazz clubs and festivals. The good thing about the latter is that you can get them by mail order, so you don't have to go to all the trouble of actually seeing live music. And sandals are an absolute must, even in winter.
Mel MartinOver at the JazzTimes, Mel Martin wrote an absolutely fascinating article regarding the internalization of music. It is a long post (in two parts, actually) and covers a wide range of deep topics. Each paragraph could be a chapter in a book.
I've gone through and highlighted some of the parts that resonated with me. Be sure to read both parts, but be prepared. Internalizing music calls for A LOT of study and practice.
I teach and perform on saxophones, clarinets, flutes, and bassoons in the greater Milwaukee area.
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