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Old 29-12-2011, 17:48
johnnybgoode83
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Why is jazz music seen by some people as pretentious?

Some times I like nothing better than to throw on some John Coltrane or Miles Davis or Kenny Ball, lay back, close my eyes and let the music take me to a far off land. Does that make me pretentious?

I have also seen people refer to classical music (which I also love) as pretentious. I was just wondering why that is.
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Old 29-12-2011, 17:53
iseloid
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Why is jazz music seen by some people as pretentious?

Some times I like nothing better than to throw on some John Coltrane or Miles Davis or Kenny Ball, lay back, close my eyes and let the music take me to a far off land. Does that make me pretentious?

I have also seen people refer to classical music (which I also love) as pretentious. I was just wondering why that is.
I'd have said that about classical rather than jazz. Jazz is like musical soul. My dad loves it. Jazz is the music you put on to chill at home, with a scotch on the rocks
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Old 29-12-2011, 17:57
JohnnyForget
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I think it's the more avant garde forms of Jazz and Classical music that are looked upon by some people as being pretentious, but those people probably regard all forms of avant garde art as pretentious.

The musicianship in Jazz and Classical music tends to be of a higher standard than many other genres, so some (but certainly not all) Jazz and Classical fans can be a little elitist and look down their noses at pop music. The same is true of some rock fans.
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Old 29-12-2011, 17:59
johnnybgoode83
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I'd have said that about classical rather than jazz. Jazz is like musical soul. My dad loves it. Jazz is the music you put on to chill at home, with a scotch on the rocks
No rocks, it waters down the scotch
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Old 29-12-2011, 18:09
iseloid
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No rocks, it waters down the scotch
lol...I dont drink so I've no idea, papa prefers morgans spiced.
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Old 29-12-2011, 18:17
johnnybgoode83
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It's hard to beat a nice aged single malt with your jazz
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Old 29-12-2011, 18:42
Waldstein
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I think as JohnnyForget said, it's more the avant garde styles that people largely view as pretentious. I think also that a lot of people view extended improvisational solos as self-indulgent and they tend to switch off as a result. I remember playing at a function at college and trying to explain this to my band members - that the mainstream public largely doesn't want to hear 10 minute solos. I also think that some people tend to have a very limited view on what constitutes Jazz music, for example, I know a lot of people who love swing and artists like Sinatra, Bennett, etc., but who at the same time will claim to hate Jazz.

At the risk of sounding pretentious myself, I think a lot of these comments come from a lack of understanding about the style. Probably the most common criticism I've heard of Jazz is that it's a bunch of people playing whatever they want, when in reality there's an art to improvisation and great skill required.

I live in a city that holds a huge Jazz festival each year. It's my favourite weekend of the year, yet a lot of locals get out of the city for the weekend. This bewilders me as they're missing out on some amazing music but each to their own I suppose.
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Old 29-12-2011, 19:00
johnnybgoode83
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I think as JohnnyForget said, it's more the avant garde styles that people largely view as pretentious. I think also that a lot of people view extended improvisational solos as self-indulgent and they tend to switch off as a result. I remember playing at a function at college and trying to explain this to my band members - that the mainstream public largely doesn't want to hear 10 minute solos. I also think that some people tend to have a very limited view on what constitutes Jazz music, for example, I know a lot of people who love swing and artists like Sinatra, Bennett, etc., but who at the same time will claim to hate Jazz.

At the risk of sounding pretentious myself, I think a lot of these comments come from a lack of understanding about the style. Probably the most common criticism I've heard of Jazz is that it's a bunch of people playing whatever they want, when in reality there's an art to improvisation and great skill required.

I live in a city that holds a huge Jazz festival each year. It's my favourite weekend of the year, yet a lot of locals get out of the city for the weekend. This bewilders me as they're missing out on some amazing music but each to their own I suppose.
I have heard that said about Jimi Hendrix too. They don't seem to get that improvisation isn't just about hitting random notes. One needs to have a good ear to stay with the pace and rhythm of the other musicians. I do think that the best jazz is improvisational because it reflects the mood and emotional state of the musician at that time.

It's kind of sad that people don't have the attention span to sit through long solos because that is very often when musicians are at their most creative. I say that with all genres in mind.
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Old 29-12-2011, 20:43
FanFromHolland
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I love some jazz music, the modern jazz ofcourse, like Caro Emeld, i'm 17 but a massive fan of hers
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Old 29-12-2011, 21:02
Microkorg
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Jazz.. Delicious Hot, Disgusting Cold
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Old 30-12-2011, 01:12
cnbcwatcher
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I love some jazz music, the modern jazz ofcourse, like Caro Emeld, i'm 17 but a massive fan of hers
Caro Emerald is really good. I also liked that song Tony Bennett did with Lady Gaga (was it The Lady Is A Tramp? but I like that more because I'm a Gaga fan). I'm not into classical at all, can't stand it. I just find it really boring. I do see why some people like it though. I love pop music and also dance, R&B/hip hop and electronica. It makes me happy so I'll listen to it
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