August 2007
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August 24, 2007
P.S.
Keith Whitman's mimaroglumusicsales makes me want to not even bother collecting music.
Posted by Fran at 9:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
August 20, 2007
MAJOR STAR WARS
So I completed my first real editing work. As I told Wayne Rogers, it is pretty much the nerdiest thing imaginable. I chopped up Star Wars IV and synced it with an operatic rock jam from the Major Stars. It is the track Song for Turner off their album 4. For some reason mixing scorching guitar solos and light saber dueling makes sense in my head.
I wanted to embed it from Youtube but they and Google Video were quick to take it off. So you can download it here if you are interested in watching it. The file is 96.15 MB which should not be too much trouble this day in age. The quality is good.
I hope you like it.
Posted by Fran at 9:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
August 16, 2007
R.I.P. Mr. Roach
So JAZZHAMMER. has been an obituary lately. But as long as respect is due, I will continue.
Well today saw the death of drummer Max Roach. I am too sick to write too much today but you can check out some of my earlier posts on free jazz. He has got to be in there somewhere. At least check out his and Anthony Braxton's One in Two, Two in One or Birth and Rebirth. Some of my favorite music in the world and arguably still some of the best examples of avant music humans have ever produced.
The New York Times has a nice quote worth repeating:
"In Mr. Roach’s hands, the drum kit became much more than a means of keeping time. He saw himself as a full-fledged member of the front line, not simply as a supporting player."
There are so many great drummers indebted to this man that are responsible for some of the most important music being made these days. Hamid Drake follows in the free jazz tradition. Chris Corsano added a punk d.i.y energy (even though it seems impossible to make Max's 60s drumming more energetic.) Martin Brandlmayr is playing with the kit as a medium of its own aside electronics in many great post rock groups. Like Max, these drummers work on anything and with everyone. These are the people pushing music forward. Think of the best drummer you know. If he/she really is any good, then Max Roach is an influence. If not, help them out. Play them some Max Roach.
This doesn't even begin to show you how amazing Mr. Roach was:
Posted by Fran at 9:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)