WARNING: Long post. Apologies in advance.
If I were a betting man, I'd bet that every member of this forum is someone who is serious about their craft, who works hard, and is committed to creating music of lasting value. Naturally, depending on how far down the path we've come, we all bring different levels of skill and experience to our efforts. But given what I read here, it's pretty clear that everyone CARES about the work.
So for someone like Evan to bombard us with drivel like "Sometimes it can become an argument about YOUR ethics and morals against MY ethics and morals." Ethics and morals when we're talking about sampled licks and runs? Give me a break. Or the capper, "maybe some of you are JUST in it for the money. Fine. I hope nice guys don't finish last though, because we are doing more respectable work!"
Okay, let me recap: I have no ethics or morals, I'm just in it for the money, I don't do respectable work, and I'm not even a nice guy. Guess I'd better tell my wife, my employees, and my clients...many of whom have been loyal to me for almost twenty years. Boy, will they be shocked.
I remember when I was 4 or 5 years into what became 7 years of private composition study with Ziggy Hurwitz, I looked at him one day and said, "You know, every week I feel more stupid." He asked me to explain. "Well, the more I learn - the more I realize how much I DON'T know, and the stupider I feel." Ziggy just smiled and said, "Well, Bubby...NOW you're getting it!" (I still don't know why he called me 'Bubby'.)
Also, on a few occasions, I feel lucky to have spent some time with those whom I would consider great artists. Funny thing...not ONE of them felt the need to regale me with reminders about what great artists they are. In fact, if anything they were self-deprecating...focused on what they'd yet to accomplish...focused on the work...and focused on giving back to the musical community in any way they could. Not critical, judgemental or disrespectful of those trying to navigate their own musical path. And they all seemed to express a genuine interest in what I was doing musically. These are the qualities I most admired in them, and try the hardest to emulate - though I know I come up short.
I don't post here often, but I read as often as I can with a busy workload. I appreciate the generosity and knowledge I get here...even from the ubiquitous Mr. Evans. But I sure hope he comes to realize someday that the solar system doesn't spin around his "artistry". His disdain and lack of respect - not to mention complete conviction that at any given moment he's right and everyone else is wrong - just make me shake my head and say, "Evan, Evan, Evan."
Sorry, still can't be mad at him when he's so clueless.
Okay now. Quick. Someone fire off a little levity, would ya'?
Fred Story
If I were a betting man, I'd bet that every member of this forum is someone who is serious about their craft, who works hard, and is committed to creating music of lasting value. Naturally, depending on how far down the path we've come, we all bring different levels of skill and experience to our efforts. But given what I read here, it's pretty clear that everyone CARES about the work.
So for someone like Evan to bombard us with drivel like "Sometimes it can become an argument about YOUR ethics and morals against MY ethics and morals." Ethics and morals when we're talking about sampled licks and runs? Give me a break. Or the capper, "maybe some of you are JUST in it for the money. Fine. I hope nice guys don't finish last though, because we are doing more respectable work!"
Okay, let me recap: I have no ethics or morals, I'm just in it for the money, I don't do respectable work, and I'm not even a nice guy. Guess I'd better tell my wife, my employees, and my clients...many of whom have been loyal to me for almost twenty years. Boy, will they be shocked.
I remember when I was 4 or 5 years into what became 7 years of private composition study with Ziggy Hurwitz, I looked at him one day and said, "You know, every week I feel more stupid." He asked me to explain. "Well, the more I learn - the more I realize how much I DON'T know, and the stupider I feel." Ziggy just smiled and said, "Well, Bubby...NOW you're getting it!" (I still don't know why he called me 'Bubby'.)
Also, on a few occasions, I feel lucky to have spent some time with those whom I would consider great artists. Funny thing...not ONE of them felt the need to regale me with reminders about what great artists they are. In fact, if anything they were self-deprecating...focused on what they'd yet to accomplish...focused on the work...and focused on giving back to the musical community in any way they could. Not critical, judgemental or disrespectful of those trying to navigate their own musical path. And they all seemed to express a genuine interest in what I was doing musically. These are the qualities I most admired in them, and try the hardest to emulate - though I know I come up short.
I don't post here often, but I read as often as I can with a busy workload. I appreciate the generosity and knowledge I get here...even from the ubiquitous Mr. Evans. But I sure hope he comes to realize someday that the solar system doesn't spin around his "artistry". His disdain and lack of respect - not to mention complete conviction that at any given moment he's right and everyone else is wrong - just make me shake my head and say, "Evan, Evan, Evan."
Sorry, still can't be mad at him when he's so clueless.
Okay now. Quick. Someone fire off a little levity, would ya'?
Fred Story