Jazz for aficionados

Although re-visiting music that I haven’t connected with the first (or second or third) time around almost never yields a different reaction, a recent exception to this pattern is K. Jarrett’s Koln Concert. What used to sound monotonous due what I perceived to be an overemphasis on rhythm to the detriment of melody has lately become a much more nuanced, enjoyable listen.

Recently, I discovered the height of my speakers was off. If I raised myself up from my chair, sonics noticeably improved. The easiest solution would be to buy shorter speaker stands for my monitors but this is impossible, due to obstructing furniture. Nor is my listening chair adjustable for height. My solution: ordering a 7" thick high density foam cushion for my chair. It looks ridiculous but SQ is better in every respect. 

For one thing, piano now sounds much  more convincing. Piano is one of my favorite instruments in any genre, so this is a big deal. I can’t say to what degree my changed experience of Koln has been a result of the cushion. It could be I’m growing a bit more patient at 70. At any rate, I’ve been listening to Koln every day.

Another good Double Bass player is Ray Drummond. He led his own band as well as played with a bunch of other bands.

 I just listened to Back To The City.  I have a love/hate with Qobuz.  The album cover says it’s by “The Art Farmer/ Benny Golson Jazzetet, but it’s listed under Clifford Brown & Art Farmer Swedish All-Star…

Anyway it’s a good live album.

Stuartk, how true that music we don't get at all, will someday catch our fancy if we give it enough time. Many times, I have listened to recordings I didn't like a number of times because "Everyone says they are great", only to finally find myself understanding what the greatness was all about. 

Sometimes I don't ever get it, but I just chalk that up to my taste.

@acman3 

Speaking only for myself, I’m increasingly inclined to regard taste as a limiting factor. A tyrant, even. As time goes on, I find it increasingly more difficult to find music I like enough to purchase. 

I’ve always defined "music" in terms of melody, harmony, time and capacity to compellingly improvise rather than the sonic aspects of presentation beloved by audiophiles. I like to believe sonics are the "frosting" , not the "cake" and that I’m perfectly capable of "getting" the cake whether delivered via transistor radio or a friend’s high end system. I suspect this is not atypical for those of us who’ve played music. However, this experience with the Jarrett CD has caused me to question my long-standing perspective. 

I suppose it’s possible I may have slowly developed more patience over time and simply not noticed it. I’m really not sure what to think at this point. 

@stuartk 

yep.

That’s what keeps me away from hard rap and hard opera.

Speaking only for myself, I’m increasingly inclined to regard taste as a limiting factor. A tyrant, even. As time goes on, I find it increasingly more difficult to find music I like enough to purchase.