My musical taste broadened in college—though I still have very strong preferences and opinions. Nearly all classical music sooths me. I play the piano classically, so piano-centric pieces usually top my classical playlists. Classical guitar is next. Bluegrass and folk music charms me. Some popular music resides in my digital music collections. World music, International pop, mild alternative and new-age compositions are curiosities of mine. But my new fascination is jazz.
Back in 1999 I had a friend, Cat, who played for the folk dancing group I danced in who was enamored with jazz. This piqued my curiosity. "Jazz", to me then, was "elevator music" or erratic and frantic "melodies" by soused soloists trying to stand out. Cat shared some of her opinions and music tracks and I realized what I was missing. I began looking for some instruction on the basics of jazz and found a series of DVD's put out by PBS. That changed everything. I still don't like the erratic sounds of modern jazz, but I do know where they're coming from and I like those origins.
Consequently, I shared this jazz series with my wife and she also fell in love. Now unlike movies, music is something I am willing to collect, if I like it. I also have a great appreciation for artists, composers and musicians and I want to support meritorious musicians, within reason. But the music industry is without reason. Thus, I only buy music with care, and I love alternative music labels, like Magnatune.com, who truly support musicians above themselves.
I will be very pleased with the fall of the RIAA, MPAA, and the other, dated behemoths of bad taste who tyrannize patrons and artists alike. But until they fall, some good artists are locked into contracts with them, so expect a few standard artists in my reviews. I intend to share my thoughts of all my musical influences, good and bad, likes and dislikes. Maybe this will be valuable to you somehow.
