Part of the fun of the Jazz Education Network Conference would have to be seeing old friends as well as making new friends. While primarily a more artist oriented conference, critically acclaimed bassist John Goldsby invited me to attend his seminar "Playing With Words." The workshop, designed primarily for musicians/teachers to enhance a further connection with either their audience or students if not both was an opportunity this critic was not about to pass up.
There is seemingly a growing trend among artists to take the initiative to write about their own work, perhaps taking the lead in presenting a more entertaining look at their craft as compared to the plethora of overly technical and just plain boring reviews that seem to pop up in every publication, web site and blog post you can find. Goldsby is a critically acclaimed bassist and also a featured writer for Bass Player Magazine.
"Writing about music is like dancing with architecture." - Having seen this quote attributed to both Duke Ellington and Thelonious Monk, the source is unclear but the accuracy can not be questioned. Describing one art form by carefully utilizing the tools and techniques of another art form is not an easy task. How do you describe sounds with words in a relateable context to reach the widest audience?
The importance of a captivating lead is of course paramount in establishing readership on literally any topic. As a critic, Goldsby touched on several topics that are of course ground zero for my work and excellent reminders of how I can consider refining my own attempt at this musical dance.
1. Leave your personal opinion and bias out of the equation.
Much tougher than it sounds, but all artists that I spoke with at the conference are in agreement that the perspective of the artist and their audience should be the prime objective. There are numerous good reviews that have appeared here but that certainly does not mean they are works that I now listen to on a daily basis. Occasionally there are releases and situations that lend themselves to a more direct presentation but the key is to substantiate, quantify and back up the more direct approach should the situation dictate.
Bob Mintzer said it best, "Not everything sucks." Mintzer added that everyone has something to offer when it comes to presenting their music. Bassist Rufus Reid and vocalist Rondi Charleston echoed the sentiment that when a critic writes a review they need to try and connect on some level with where the artist is coming from. So many reviews that appear in some publications by as many as ten different critics all read the same as though stylistic guidelines somehow supersede the artist stylistic performance they are writing about. Literary death by self indulgence is a slippery slope for the critic. Find the story that lurks just beneath the surface of the music, dig deep.
Revision and editing are perhaps the most important pieces to the critical puzzle. Take a third listen to the disc, let the first draft set over night, allow yourself the opportunity to listen!
An incredibly useftl seminar for all in attendance. Literary expertise can also be found in the talents of John's wife, Robin Goldsby. Both John and Robin Goldsby are successful authors, musicians and wonderful clinicians and to find out more:
Top photo courtesy of Robin Goldsby via face book.
Bottom photo at the "Playing With Words" workshop here at the Jazz Education Network Convention 01/07/12.
