No one, Plastic Sax included, enters the jazz realm to become popular. It can be a lonely endeavor.
So I was delighted to arrange a face-to-face meeting at Jardine's with one of this site's most vocal readers. We had a great time. My goal wasn't to neutralize the critic. Rather, I wanted to explain my motivations to him.
I adore Joe Klopus' work for the Star. And the Jazz Ambassadors are an invaluable asset to Kansas City. But neither provides the inclusive, regularly updated, interactive web presence I desired. By default, I founded Plastic Sax. And now that I've fallen into a regular rhythm, the site is relatively easy to maintain.
Yet only a handful of jazz fans, promoters, musicians and institutions regularly reach out to me. Did you swoon at Friday's Rachael Price show? Do you detest Pat Metheny's new album? Did you post a new song at your MySpace page?
It's your turn.
(Image by Plastic Sax. Donna Tucker makes great table tents.)
'Tis a quandary (and thanks for the beers.) I've put some thought into the questions and have decided to explore the many faceted digression which is jazz. First... Off to Carnegie...
ReplyDeleteAs for the latest PM release, (its so hard to lose the more vernacular "album").... Still not fully digested but above the "average" that I maintain for his music. Then again... I like zero tolerance for silence. *shrugs*
ReplyDeleteI have an earful heading your way when I can feel the words enter my ken and all the years I have spent listening and learning about music. Until then, wait, my friend.
ReplyDeleteI have known Joe and his father for years via The Music Exchange. Never will one bad word about either emit from my lips.
Bgo
Best of luck, UL!
ReplyDeleteIf you're reading this, Joe: Countless times guys like BGO have sung your praises to me. Frankly, I'm getting a little tired of hearing that you're the world's best person. (Kidding.)
And thanks to others for their kind offline encouragement.
Nevermind the Rachael Price interview printed last week in the Pitch as well as this week's interview with John Brewer and the column from Jason Harper on his foray to Jardine's and the Foundation this past Saturday. All three articles appeared online as well and are open for comments...
ReplyDeleteToo bad the jazz musicians in this town are somewhat hesitant to market themselves as strenuously as their pop counterparts. It's really odd, actually. Perhaps that stems from a feeling that they don't think people give a sh!t. Or perhaps it's because their perceived audience is older and not savvy in the ways of the web. Or a combination of both. I'm going to have to put some thought to that...
Patchchord-
ReplyDeleteThe slight is wholly unintentional. My Jedi mind tricks just aren't grabbing pieces in the Pitch. I'll have to make adjustments accordingly.
(Private note to my pal Jason Harper- seriously, Google Alert doesn't seem to trawl www.pitch.com.)
Secondly, I'm unable to comment at Patchchord. (I use Safari.)
Sorry, that came off bitchier than I mean. And I think I licked the comment problem. Give it a test.
ReplyDeleteI ran into Jason last night, Patchchord. And I just successfully left a comment at your site. It's all good.
ReplyDeletehit me up..
ReplyDeleteI'm here to help.
innatesounds@gmail.com
Not scared of a good discussion.
look forward to it.
- miles
regarding promoting oneself in this town, i find it a little difficult. this could also be because i'm not so inclined to do so because i am a little shy in that venue. i can get up on stage and perform, yea, no problem, but talking about myself as if i'm all that, is something i have yet to master. just a humble jazzer in kc who has a BLAST with everyone i play with.
ReplyDelete