Re: Music Descriptions

[Kim Corbet <kcorbet@post.cis.smu.edu>]

I think this question of categorization and stylistic identification is 
interesting only in so much as we're forced to deal with it by the 
recording and retail industry.  Which, ofcourse, infects all of us.

I personally have no problem with "new age" or even the classical genre 
"new music" and, certainly, the beauty of the concept and tradition of 
"ambient"...but the public and musician stigma associated with these
labels can be difficult (especially in conservative areas like Dallas). 
With a background in and love of classical, blues, rock and jazz, the 
first time my girlfriend called my solo act "New Age", I cringed...
is THAT what people are hearing???  Oh, jeez.

I think that's why I often use some adjective plus "jazz"...like 
"punkjazz" or "ambient jazz" or "bubba jazz" or "____ jazz" depending 
on the venue and energy.  The jazz process of continuously stirring in 
one juxtaposed style after another reminds me of the old adage, "How can 
you have a revolution when the last revolution said 'anything goes'?"

spare kim