LESSON MBCM 24th of January

“Jaco intro to identity”

Jaco starts the lesson showing an example of a video from a performance by Aaron
diehl. In it he introduces the band, and the first piece they are going to play, giving a
bit of background of it. Jaco asks about his identity (well dressed, trying to speak
french, american, ideal charming host, sophistication). He wants to portrait himself
as a sophisticated piano player.

Another example, Misha Mengelberg. (casual, childlike, free jazz, arrives with a
coffee, provoking) The music and the presence in stage are related. He comes from
anarchistic movement in amsterdam. He is consistent with his identity.

Next example, Sun Ra Arkestra. He is consistent with his image, the story he tells
about himself, the outfit, the extravagance.

They are all musicians, with different ideas. What is my music/story about? What is
my stamens in jazz/culture? Who am I as a person? How to make this stronger by
being more aware so that the audience can get it. What are the possibilities and how
to be consistent?

Example: Wynton Marsalis. He is always wearing a suit. It fits his musical statement.
It fits a tradition, wearing a suit its “hip”. His aspirations/standards are higher. Socially
he relates with a different layer of society. He is a business man. Edo also looks like
this.

Christian Scott. More similar to Sun ra. Reference from culture: hip hop, urban,
african heritage, roots, … Its credible, because he comes from that culture. Could I
identify with this? My roots might be different, but i can maybe justify if it somehow
resonates with some element of my personality. What would you think of him, if he is
just a normal player. If he is not a good player he wouldn’t be able to get away with
the extravagance.

Co enters the room.

You should highlight certain parts of your personality in order to connect better with
you. The relation of the audience with you, since they don’t know everything about
you and your background, should be very clear so that the connection its much
easier. Even if they don’t like it.. Its a strong statement (physics?). You are still
yourself, but you enhance certain traits of your personality.

Becca stevens example. Maybe more versatile, the pictures have the same vibe.
(country girl, singer songwriter)
On the other hand Miles Davis had a lot of phases in his image/way of portraying
and yet you feel that kept his very strong identity, with a freedom and flexibility of
exploring different aesthetics.
Maceo Parker example. James brown sax player. In the introduction of a song, he
tells a stamens to the audience: “ two percent jazz ninety eight percent funky, this is
known as happy music” People dance to this music apparently. And they are always
well dressed.

Versus the example of Brad Mehldau. More serious, he starts talking about the
philosophy of music, art and emotions. “How much can you pinpoint that with words,
and how much its impossible”.

They have both committed to their approach. One artist is completely different to
another artist.

In an interview: what is a statement that says it all? Or a story?

Joao Mayer website: very visual. What type of language do they use when they write
about their music. “The aim is authentic 21st century music”. A more intelectual way
of saying it. Will someone ever read this? Letter fond, the background the also
influence the audience that sees the website.