Music and Jane

[Stanley]

Jane:

Your knowledge of music is deeper than the average person.

So I ask again:

Do you have training in music?

Do you play an instrument?

At what age did you pay attention to the music you like?

BTW, I can easily recognize salsa and it is far away from Cuban music. However, it seems everybody runs with the concept that salsa is Cuban in origin.

I can also tell that PR folks whether from NY or the island play the better salsa. I am also well aware of the golden age of salsa and that may be the one I could like. I do remember the fact that Willie Colón was unique because they only used trombones just as Richie Ray was unique for just using the trumpets. I heard the music growing up, but it was not my calling.

I was always drawn to rock. I am not sure why I turned out that way, but I remember that in the 1960s a lot of kids in PR liked rock. Nowadays rock is still popular, but now the lyrics are in Spanish or it has become "rock en Español" which is a well-known movement in South America and Spain.

Have you heard "La Flaca" by Jarabe de Palo?

How does music touch you?

[JaneMas]

I use to play the clarinet in middle school but gave it up when I went on to HS. I regret that now. The 70s like the 60s was full of good fun music, I can't imagine growing up today with all the raunchy lyrics on the air, lack of melody in their arrangments, etc. But every generation has it's music. Could you imagine what the next generation will be listening to?

Let me know when you listen to Charlie Palmieri's link. I'd like a response.

[Suki]

I want music to be something all can enjoy and develop a deep appreciation for. I love the book I bought that explains a lot of musical terms, it also includes a CD. It is by Wynton Marsalis. He did and excellent PBS series in which he was teaching children about how to recognize different musical styles, arrangement and instruments. What notes are and many other things.

My husband plays the piano. He took piano lessons for years in Puerto Rico with a relative of Lola Rodriguez de Tio. His piano teacher's name was Tio also. My husband said if he had practiced the piano a lot and did the piece he was supposed to do with a lot of effort and it sounded good, Don C would say, "No esta mal." He was a stickler for perfection. I remember him playing some Beethoven for me once---when we first met. I liked that very much!! My son is practicing on the piano and with a trumpet. But, I noticed he likes singing. He has such a nice voice. I have a feeling he will make a fine singer if he decides to develop that. He is lucky he has that. My husband sings terrible. Lol. But he is a good piano player.

I love Salsa. But it has to be the good kind. One of my favorite fusions are between Cuban percussion and rythm and American Jazz. Such as Chano Pozo's and Dizzy Gillespie's "Manteca". I had it on the other day, and my son stopped playing and listened to it carefully---he then said, "I like that a lot." Lol. I am glad I am exposing him to a lot of different music. I am terribly intolerant with rap music. I really think it is only good for doing some dancing only and then it has to be clean lyrics....none of that smut they try to sell as lyrics. My son now, doesn't listen to it anymore. I have over 1500 CDs all world music, classical, salsa, Jazz, pop, opera and everything in between. But all 'filtered' through my 'ears' and I know each CD I have has only the finest musicians and music and with great melodies and musicians. I have a lot of Beatles Anthologies. I have Joan Manuel Serrat Anthologies too. I have some old songs from Rocio Durcal too. And La Lupe, and Lucho Gatica, and Pata Negra, Kitane, Jarabe de Palo, Mana, and many many more. I have the newest Flamenco music infused with salsa, son from Cuba, and modern rock.


Here Jane see what you think of Gillespie's '1982' concert in Finland version:

YouTube - Dizzy Gillespie - Manteca (Finland, 1982)

I love many styles. I love Harry Connick Jr. I love Diana Krall, and Andrea Bocelli, and Dulce Ponte, and Albita Rodriguez. I like many many artists. They have to be talented and varied and dedicated musicians and singers. Not the crappy bubble gum types peddled to the kids nowadays. I am sorry but that Lindsay Lohan and Britney Spears, and 50 cent whatever really really suck and lack talent. But some kids like it. I like Cristina Aguilera's vocal power, but her choice in songs and lyrics and music is poor and not intelligent. It is a shame. She has a lovely voice. Just bad musical choices. She might think she is original and poetic. I compare her lyrics to something by Violeta Parra or Mercedes Sosa and she falls way short. Too contrived.

See you later.....

[Stanley]

Jane:

I have not been able to listen to Palmieri yet, but I vaguely remember. I will try on a PC at home----Macs surround me!






Suki:

I also like a couple of tunes by Jarabe de Palo---such as La Flaca (both the electric and live acoustic versions) and Grita.

I have the newest Flamenco music: For some reason all my daughters were crazy about The Gypsy Kings and I had to take them at least once a year.


I love Harry Connick Jr.: I enjoy some old CDs he did with just a trio. He reminded me of Vince Guaraldi who is the most quirky and simple pianists I have ever heard. His Snoopy Xmas sound track is a masterpiece.

Andrea Bocelli What a talent, my wife loves him.


Regarding Cristina Aguilera: Why does she have to do the gospel vocal aerobics so often in a song? She should listen to Ray Charles-----a little subtler and not as exaggerated with the gospel twang.

[JaneMas]

Suki:

My husband sings terrible. Lol. But he is a good piano player.

lol, I could imagine how nice it is at home with you two, now three when he plays.

I love Salsa. But it has to be the good kind. One of my favorite fusions are between Cuban percussion and rythm and American Jazz. Such as Chano Pozo's and Dizzy Gillespie's "Manteca". I had it on the other day, and my son stopped playing and listened to it carefully---he then said, "I like that a lot." Lol. I am glad I am exposing him to a lot of different music.

That's so cute! He's in a very good place, I bet he'll be dancing a mean mambo in the future.

I am terribly intolerant with rap music. I really think it is only good for doing some dancing only and then it has to be clean lyrics....none of that smut they try to sell as lyrics. My son now, doesn't listen to it anymore.

It's good to know your exposing him to world music. It will expand his musical talents, if any, and if not at least his soul is no longer fed the violent lyrics of today.

I have over 1500 CDs all world music, classical, salsa, Jazz, pop, opera and everything in between. But all 'filtered' through my 'ears' and I know each CD I have has only the finest musicians and music and with great melodies and musicians. I have a lot of Beatles Anthologies. I have Joan Manuel Serrat Anthologies too. I have some old songs from Rocio Durcal too. And La Lupe, and Lucho Gatica, and Pata Negra, Kitane, Jarabe de Palo, Mana, and many many more. I have the newest Flamenco music infused with salsa, son from Cuba, and modern rock.

Wow Suki you could start your own radio show! I like some of Mana's work but not all.

Here Jane see what you think of Gillespie's '1982' concert in Finland version:

YouTube - Dizzy Gillespie - Manteca (Finland, 1982)

Great performance!

My favorite? Cuban Fantasy by Machito

YouTube - Machito & Graciela En Japon Pt.1

I love many styles. I love Harry Connick Jr. I love Diana Krall, and Andrea Bocelli, and Dulce Ponte, and Albita Rodriguez. I like many many artists. They have to be talented and varied and dedicated musicians and singers. Not the crappy bubble gum types peddled to the kids nowadays.

Y fijate Bocelli doesn't move me. I just find there are more talented singers the he in his field.

I like Cristina Aguilera's vocal power, but her choice in songs and lyrics and music is poor and not intelligent. It is a shame. She has a lovely voice. Just bad musical choices. She might think she is original and poetic. I compare her lyrics to something by Violeta Parra or Mercedes Sosa and she falls way short. Too contrived.

I see what you mean. You are right. Are you ready to see the movie about PIAF?

http://us.video.aol.com/player/launc...pmmsid=1897947

[Stanley]

Originally Posted by JaneMas

Y fijate Bocelli doesn't move me. I just find there are more talent singers the he in his field.

[/b]

Actually, I can only listen to one or two songs before I lose it.

This may sound strange, but I think in his day Elvis had quite a voice.

There is also this guy from the 1960s called Gary Pucket---he had a great set of pipes.

The thing I dislike about Aguilera is the frequent soulful embellishments after every single phrase. She does it so much that it is boring. Once or twice like Ray Charles would be OK, but she does so continuously. I take Dusty Springfield over her any day. She sings straight without all that gospel maneuvers and tongue twisting runs.

[JaneMas]

Originally Posted by Stanley

Actually, I can only listen to one or two songs before I lose it.

This may sound strange, but I think in his day Elvis had quite a voice.

There is also this guy from the 1960s called Gary Pucket---he had a great set of pipes.

The thing I dislike about Aguilera is the frequent soulful embellishments after every single phrase. She does it so much that it is boring. Once or twice like Ray Charles would be OK, but she does so continuously. I take Dusty Springfield over her any day. She sings straight without all that gospel maneuvers and tongue twisting runs.

Elvis had a great voice, just bad songs!

Jill Scott's previous cd has a wonderful song called Family Reunion

Amazon.com : Music Sampler


Jill Scott - Family Reunion


We at the family reunion, tellin' jokes and playin' spades
Uncle Dave is on the barbeque grill
Grandma braggin 'bout the blanket she made
For the new baby on her way
Even though the daddy ain't really ready
This child is coming...anyway, yeah


Niecie made her famous potato salad, somehow it turns out green
Maybe its all the scallions, could be the celery
But ol, Uncle Jerome loves it (Hmm)
Hey baby baby, here comes my favorite...my favorite cousin
He says he's doing fine, takin'it one step a day but in my heart I know it ain't that way


Chorus
whoa whoa-o-whoa whoa-o-whoa whoa-o-whoa
What can you say...its family
and whoa whoa-o-whoa whoa-o-whoa whoa-o-whoa
What can you say...its family


Aunt Juicy been drinkin' again...ooh its only 1:30 in the afternoon
Everybody tip-toeing 'round her, we all know she gonna be tore up soon
Saying all the things we like to say, hope she gets around to Cousin Lonnie
Cause We all know he got a little extra somebody on the side (But)


Chorus


Oh ****, Damn Mickey and Steven are fighting again
Move out the way, somebody might get hurt
Aw Look at that what happen is worst
They knocked over Helenora's Lemon Cake (Emm)
You know the one she barely ever makes
I'm gettin riled up, I want them to go
But Somebody turn Frankie Beverly on the stereo
Cousin Ruby starts rockin', shaking her good hip and bobbin
So we all fall into place, smiling and laughing