While I don't know Oscar, practically all other top players I've ever met
think those modern devices are very cool. The ones that don't like the
idea of Band in the Box are just living in the past when one could learn
everything on the bandstand because there was enough work around for it
to happen that way.
I think people should be extremely suspicous of things that have never
been needed for top players to get where they are.
Top players always transcribed. People also used to have half speed record
players and other devices.
They also played alot with other people which is what Band in the Box
provides nowadays given the economics of the business. I gig with Band in
the Box all the time. It provides a great drummer that doesnt play too
loud and knows all the latin styles, etc.
However, I don't see any evidence throughout jazz history of musicians
tapping on 2 and 4 or practicing that way at all.
So that's a new things and if people have swung for generations without
it, what is the point exactly?
I'm so amused that people that find it uncomfortable would want to
work on it. It's like if you reversed the gas pedal and the break on
your car. You'd feel really uncomfortable and start crashing into things
for a while but I guess you would eventually get used to it. But what's the
point?
reed
Reed Kotler
reed@justjazz.com
http://www.justjazz.com