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The long and hard road to developing one's music (Is this missing in today's music?)
brianlux
Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 40,719
in Other Music
Several years ago, I read an article that talked about how early on in rock history, bands with potential were given time to develop their craft. The Rolling Stones were illustrated as a good example of a band that showed a good deal of potential and even though they were not great at first, because they were given the time to hone their playing and writing, they blossomed into the great band they became.
In his most excellent book, Ascension, John Coltrane and his Quest, author Eric Nisenson again illustrate this point in these words, quoting pianist Bill Evans:
"[Miles is] an example of somebody I think was a late arriver, even though he was recorded when he first came on the scene. You can hear how consciously he was soloing and how his knowledge was a very aware thing. He just kept working and contributing his own craft... And then at one point it all came together and he emerged with maturity, and he became a total artist and influence, making a kind of beauty that had never been heard before or since... I always like people who have developed long and hard, especially through introspection and a lot of dedication. I think what they arrive at is usually... deeper and more beautiful... than a person who seems to have that ability and fluidity from the beginning... And, yes, ultimately it turned out that these people weren't able to carry their thing very far. I found myself being more attracted to artists who have developed through the years to become better and deeper musicians."
I often hear people talk about how "today's music sucks". Perhaps, but if it does indeed lack (and I think a good argument can be made that much of it does), I think this may be the key.
“The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man [or woman] who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
Variously credited to Mark Twain or Edward Abbey.
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