By Walter Price
While a few of you will be bunkering in for the catastrophe that is not going to happen, I thought I'd leave the year with a few answers to everybody's questions. So open up a can of dehydrated tuna and New Jersey's best Spring Water as I answer some of jazz's toughest questions before the apocalypse.
Why is Louis Armstrong on all those jazz man of the century lists or those most influential in the past 1000 years? Ans. He is the only jazz artist most people in this country know and he did a scintillating duet with Kenny G.
Who should be the jazz artist of the century? Ans. When I think of jazz artist of the century-I don't think of Pops unfortunately. Miles, Duke, Coltrane, Bird and Dizzy should get more publicity in the mainstream polls!
Who is the best jazz artist today? Ans. Victor Wooten.
What was the best jazz album of the century? Ans. "Tutu" by Miles Davis
Who is the most overlooked jazz artist of the century? Ans. Wayne Shorter
Who is the best jazz artist out there you hate the most? Ans. Wynton Marsalis-as a matter of fact, he belongs in some hall of fames, should be recognized and considered as jazz artist of the century, man I hate him!
Why can't I find a Steve Swallow disk at my local record store? Ans. Because I'm an idiot not to accept the fact that you can be the best at an instrument without even playing.
Why would anybody write an article defending Kenny G. in any shape or form after his last pathetic effort where he covers the jazz classics and plays with Pops? I agree, my article came out before this sad excuse for a recording!
Why is everybody liking Wynton and bashing Wynton at the same time? Ans. He is the only jazz artist living today that most people know by name. He will probably be the jazz artist of the next century.
Why is Diana Krall so popular? Ans. She is talented, good and she is a singer. People like hearing jazz-lite and old standards sung over and over again. I guess it is not her fault that particular formula works all the time to make a jazz artist popular i.e. Harry Connick Jr.
Why are jazz fans broke? Ans. REISSUES
Why is it not possible for more people come out and support jazz artists at shows or festivals? Ans. REISSUES.
What happened to that "Swing movement" that was sweeping the nation? Ans. It is still going strong making jazz the most popular form of music today!
Why isn't jazz more popular? Ans. Because the jazz industry would rather eat bread crumbs from fads or bandwagon music rather than work hard at trendsetting the whole jazz musical industry. Besides the top dogs are making enough money to stay stagnant and comfortable with themselves.
Why are the majority of jazz fans using the internet? Ans. Despite what some of us would hope or think-the majority of jazz fans are not on the web. This might be a revelation, but most jazz fans are not "wired."
Does AAJ make any difference in regards to jazz? Ans. You bet, the more freedom to have the opportunity to voice opinions on or about jazz, to learn about jazz, and to have another way to get access to the music is a great thing!
I love jazz, but I hate those articles by Walter P. What should I do? Ans. Forget Walter, go with the jazz. It is always much better than an amateur hack blowing hot air.
