Jazz musicians performin pop music

[Ian Thumwood]

I know there has been a recent theme o JRR of jazz musicians performing pop material, but I have discovered this whilst working this evening. I would have to admit that I am a big fan of the original and indeed the whole album it comes from yet Theo Bleckmanns's reworking of Kate Bush's "Running up that hill" is really effective: -

[Serial_Apologist]

My life is now 7 minutes shorter than when I started listening to that.

[Ian Thumwood]

SA

I am not sure that I can agree with you on this. For me, the main problem with re-working pop music is that the original is often wrapped in an arrangement which is integral to the song. This means that anyone coming from a jazz perspective generally has two choices. Either they can use the material as a vehicle for improvisation which, my and large, results in a performance that could be considered less memorable than the source. Alternatively, the arrangement can be considered in a more faithful style that might compromise the jazz element. There is little worse than doing a swing version of a pop song. The third alternative is to try to capture the essence of the original but from a unique and personal perspective. For me, Bleckmann has taken a tune where the arrangement of the original is so memorable that an alternative is generally now wished for. What he has done is given it his own identity. I think "Running up that hill" is one of my favourite pop songs and I was surprised at the result. he has slowed the tune down but then manages to double the time at the end.

The whole disc of Kate Bush's music from which this comes was well received by critics when it came out. I think that you need to take this with a degree of caution as KB is someone who is lauded by her fans and often be considered as one of the most important figures in post-war music. Read any comment on Youtube / Amazon, etc , etc and the consensus is that her music is held in high regard. From a jazz perspective, the music she produces is totally absorbed by her character which means that it is extremely difficult to bring something new to the table.

I would admit to being a fan of KB even if I think that the musical process by which she produces her music isn't necessarily as orthodox as a composer coming from a classical tradition might produce. All in all, there is a musical intelligence in there which you would be hard pushed to find in contemporary pop music. I can see the appeal for jazz musicians in tackling her music but can also appreciate the risks. So, in conclusion, I think you have got to say hats off to Bleckmann.

[MrGongGong]

I think that the musical process by which she produces her music isn't necessarily as orthodox as a composer coming from a classical tradition might produce..

Would you like to know my thoughts about the current make up of the Arsenal team?
Thought not
I know nothing about it
So try to avoid talking about things I know Jack sh*t about (I don't always succeed though )

[MrGongGong]

(for some reason i'm unable to edit posts)

But having listened to the version in the original post I would say that it's a rather sh*te version of a rather wonderful song
this version is much more effective IMV (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KEEXyRL0qE)

[MrGongGong]

one of the most important figures in post -war music?
Really?

Yes
But not in that "crock o'shite" version

[Beef Oven!]

I stayed with it to 5.45 because I thought 'at some point it will redeem itself'. I don't believe it did. I found it to be the most unenjoyable and totally pointless piece of music that I've heard in a very long time, years in fact.

[MrGongGong]

I stayed with it to 5.45 because I thought 'at some point it will redeem itself'. I don't believe it did. I found it to be the most unenjoyable and totally pointless piece of music that I've heard in a very long time, years in fact.

What John said

"nothing is accomplished by hearing a piece of music
nothing is accomplished by playing a piece of music
our ears are now in excellent condition.”

It really is one of the worst versions of a song I have heard for a long time.

[teamsaint]

Yes
But not in that "crock o'shite" version

don't agree.

but so it goes.

Mind you , I do enjoy the Futureheads version of Hounds of Love.

[Beef Oven!]

1. Kate Bush
2. Karlheinz
3. Ben Britten
4. Miles Davis
5. Luciano Berio
6. Captain Beefheart
7. John Coltrane
8. Frank Zappa
9. Lennon & McCartney
10 Ornette

[teamsaint]

1. Kate Bush
2. Karlheinz
3. Ben Britten
4. Miles Davis
5. Luciano Berio
6. Captain Beefheart
7. John Coltrane
8. Frank Zappa
9. Lennon & McCartney
10 Ornette

thanks for sorting that out.

[MrGongGong]

1. Kate Bush
2. Karlheinz
3. Ben Britten
4. Miles Davis
5. Luciano Berio
6. Captain Beefheart
7. John Coltrane
8. Frank Zappa
9. Lennon & McCartney
10 Ornette

Get rid of the music hall nonsense at 9 and replace with some Neue Slowenische Kunst

[Beef Oven!]

Get rid of the music hall nonsense at 9 and replace with some Neue Slowenische Kunst

[burning dog]

King Tubby beats all but 2 on that list


Edit

maybe 3 (Coltrane)

All in my opinion OBvIUOSLy

[Beef Oven!]

Not forgetting King Tubby Adé