Good points Russ.

I get a high from playing country, and it's the same high I get from playing jazz.

Never had the feeling that jazz was a "top of your game" thing...always it was case of being able to pass on the "high" I got from playing, to my audience.

Works no different in Country or any other genre.

Besides...country and jazz are both music of the people....that's what I like about them...they "connect directly" as a friend of mine always says.

Of course, like yours, these are my opinions alone...I don't worry too much about if they don't fit what someone else feels they should be like.

Too bad we're so far apart...it would be a pleasure to catch your gig.

Ian

Same here, Ian.

Be well!


Russ

Well, I'm glad this thread hasn't 'gone South' yet...

Actually, I'm a little surprised at how few are even willing to admit ANY prejudice in their musical tastes. Kudos, everybody!

For myself, I only tend to be prejudiced away from playing musics I can't do well. It doesn't mean I don't LIKE them, it's just that, if I can't bring anything to the party, I'd rather not come. Bebop tempo races are beyond me, I find it hard to be creative for more than a couple of blues tunes in a row, hiphop and rap aren't what I call 'player's music', although listen-able (at least, some of it!), it's more of a loop jockey's job than a keyboard player's...

But I'm glad that things are more open minded 'round here than I thought!

Good man, Diki. It takes a secure person to identify styles we don't excell at. And we ALL have them...me certainly included.

You're also right about the measured politeness with this thread. I enjoyed the exchange of ideas and opinions with Ian and really don't disagree with any of his points, which were articulate. He took it "easy" on the "old man",and I appreciate that.

What this has done is allude to the wide diversity in the music field; both in terms of style, ability, preferences and approach.

Thanks much for starting one of the more intelligent and useful threads to appear here in awhile.

To me, this was a meaningful dialogue.


Russ

This certainly proves that, even when the topic is one that could cause friction, we can all share opinions and learn from each other.

I certainly have.

Russ

For me personally, I like all music, but I do have some issues with some songs, for example:

Mustang Sally - every bar band and garage band in the country plays this song and when we get requests for it I cringe. There are a bazillion other songs I'd rather play

Any song with BagPipes. The hair stands on the back of my neck when I hear this instrument and I just want to scream!

Brandy, your a fine girl - maybe it's because it was played every hour on the hour on the radio when it was first released. I just cannot stand this song. I just don't like to be forced to listen to a song.

there are so many more...

One more point of view:

I come from a (would be) Songwriters perspective on this subject - and not a very good one!

To me: a song is a song, no matter WHAT Genre.


I think it's players, (pure "musicians") who pick what side they're on Genre wise. I'm only concerned if it's a "good" song.
(Let's not go into what makes a good song or a bad song - that's another thread entirely!)


P.S. There is ONE Genre I can't relate to (No, not Rap or Hip Hop - they're perfectly valid musical forms - they've been around for about 25 years now for God's sake!!) but DEATH METAL (and it's sub categories) I can't get a handle on. Mainly because of the Vocals, i.e. understandability of Lyric content and questionable Melodic structure.

Maybe we as musicians dislike some songs the way they are....but, we also as musicians have the ability to change them making them appeal to us in a better way, change styles, tempo, arrangement, sounds....be creative on those certain ones that rub ya the wrong way, dont let em beat ya .... & "Be A Musician"

Changing a tune may be good for US, Donny, but is the public going to accept it ??? ... All depends on the audience ...
t.

Tony .....they've already accepted it when they are listening to a cover done by another artist versus the original.....
so your half way there already, depending how much spin you put on the tune is up to you but in most instances coupled with a bit of creativeness I'm sure you can swing it.