Re: Where's the soul?!?

Part of what defines soul (to me) is the depth of commitment in
assimulating the historical path of the history of the music and then
applying that (naturally) on your instrument.

A lot of times, bluesy playing (bending notes, etc) is automatically
labeled soulful. For me, the players that I consider soulful do (often
times) incorporate elements of blues in their playing but it's more of
a natural phenomenon based on the fact that early jazz shared so much
in common with blues roots.

There are many players who are technically astute - players who make
all the changes, have the chops, the theoretical knowledge, can play
over Countdown, etc.- who I don't necessarily feel are soulful players.
(I often feel that way about my own playing by the way...)

To say that having a commitment to your music automatically makes you
play with soul is politically correct but is a cop out I think.
Perserverance is a trait to be admired but using the politically
correct definition basically allows EVERYONE to play with soul. In a
let's-all-get-along group-hug kind of way, I agree with that but to be
honest, that's not what makes it into my ipod playlist.

A few artists in my playlist:

Wynton Marsalis,
Roy Hargrove,
Terrence Blanchard,
Stevie Ray Vaughan,
Doug Wamble,
John Coltrane,
Nikka Costa,
Wes Montgomery

Remember, this is just *my opinion*. I'm not trying to make absolute
statements here. I'm just communicating my feelings. Others' opinions
are just as valid so please don't think I'm trying to state a single
set of rules for everyone...

.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: White musicians
    ... you just have no soul. ... >> players have no feel? ... > technicians but I'd rather listen to Satanic polka music on acid than hear ... > the ones who sound like I want to sound. ...
    (rec.music.makers.percussion)
  • Re: Vai&Satriani
    ... >> Only if you equate fast with better. ... >> and phrasing for me is a big part of what makes the player. ... >> phrasing can be considered an expression of your soul, ... players that copped him after '78 totally missed his phrasing and soul. ...
    (alt.guitar)
  • Re: Humorous warning from Pokerstars
    ... I got my powers in exchange for my soul. ... you from God and that Poker Stars has no say in the matter. ... to the same rules as all our players. ... You are a valued player at PokerStars, and we hope that you will ...
    (rec.gambling.poker)
  • Re: An Exercise in Tone.
    ... Mr Soul wrote: ... I thought jazz heads were druggies & liberals - that must be tough for ... I just finished reading the new book that came out on the Mahavishnu Orchestra, ... you find name of all the players of the time who were REALLY out there ...
    (alt.guitar.amps)
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