Newsgroups: bit.listserv.allmusic
Date:         Tue, 18 Aug 1992 17:49:15 EDT
From:         Rick <MMLRICK@UBVM.BITNET>
Subject:      Re: Leonard's questions

Oh goodie, more Leonard questions.

On Tue, 18 Aug 1992 14:55:11 CDT Leonard Watkins said:
>what two musicians (past or present) would you like have had to have the
>opportunity to see/hear perform/jam together. since i listen to the blues
>and guitar oriented i believe duanne & srv share the same passion & energy
>but different styles, but i'd still like to have experinced it . I know
>Jimi & somebody will find it's way in here. what about Django & Charlie
>Christian ?

That's a tough one to answer. Or too easy. I haven't decided. Yes, I could
just pull 2 names out of a hat and say "Thelonious Monk and Fats Waller"
or "Charlie Parker and Phil Woods" or something, but it gets incredibly
complicated when you realize that not every meeting of the greats guarantees
incredible success. Rapport and communication with fellow musicians is the key
here-- not every all-star band has delivered what was promised; in fact some
jams-of-the-legends have been somewhat lifeless, in comparison to the output
of the musicians individually. But now that I've needlessly overcomplicated
this question, I'll state my wish. Before Hendrix died Miles Davis was
arranging to record some sessions with him. Ah, cruel fate, that this was not
to come about!

>do you believe the use of drugs enchance or detract from one's musical
>ability. Musician mag had an article on this subject asking the artists
>the same question i expected hypocritical answers like just say no, but
>instead almost every one said pot enchanced their ability and their
>imagination was "less-restricted" what do you think. Coul Jimi have
>done it straight.....Jimi could have done it with his hands tied IMHO
>They all said cocaine was a definte detraction plus most other drugs

Personal chemistry dictates the answer to that one, I believe. I tried getting
high before gigs; it took me a coupla times to teach myself that for me it
doesn't work. My instrument, the trombone, utilizes a greater amount of
physical effort to play, then many other instruments, esp. the electronic
ones. When stoned my imagination seemed OK, but my breathing was shallow,
my chops felt uncentered, my slide arm got sloppy and my tongue got thick.
In fact, I rather resembled Pat Buchanan, come to think of it. But I know
other musicians who thrive on the stuff. Chaconne a son gout,  or however that
Fliedermaus expression goes. I stick to beer on gigs (or it sticks to me).
>
>the G, Dead are coming to my town so i've heard ...
                        (and)
>their lead singer (if there is one) didn't sell out to dance music as
>Mick you-know-who.  Should i see them, is it the quality of the music
>or just the experience.

Wait a minute, didn't they become disco gods for awhile? I just remember
that album cover that has them dressed in the type of '70's polyester
that John Travolta shamed himself in during his brief moment in the sun
between obscurity and has-been faded stardom? And their music reflected
that toadying to faux-Bee Gees style too, as I remember selectively.
(Also not a deadhead. Like 'em; don't wear their decals on my rear bumper.)
Stayin' alive,
Rick
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