Count me in with Spalding and Gary...well said, guys!

Ian

Gary....may I ask HOW you came to your conclusion? I agree that he is good player, but how did you decide that he is a “great entertainer?”


Why does one have to “play half as good” to post a comment about someone else? Does a “restaurant reviewer” have to be a great chef in order to make comments about a restaurant? Does a movie reviewer have to direct his own movies in order to express his opinion about a film? Do we have to be politicians to criticize actual politicians?

I’m not sure what “wishing you could play half as good” as someone else has to do with making a judgment call on that person?


If you’ve read the thread closely, you will note there were no “demeaning” comments made. There were just “comments!” Like Diki said....when you throw yourself out into the public arena, you’re inviting “comments”....both good and bad. When Baskin-Robbins introduces a new flavor, do you get arrested if you don’t say positive things about it? Is the SynthZone and the many Yahoo groups here so that we can all express opinions about everything and anything we want to express opinions about? Do we live in a world where everyone plays their instruments just “wonderfully” and we, in turn, have to play nicey-nice to everyone so as not to offend?


So you’re saying here that before we make remarks about anyone, we have to have a YouTube video of ourselves primed and ready to go?


I don’t know....I’ve seen at least four of them! My comments remain the same....he played them all in the Key of C (I’m sure you’d agree that most players can easily improvise in the key of C). And he seems to play the same style all the time. Show me a great ballad that he does and I’ll certainly change my tune....Old Cape Cod (one of my favorite songs) doesn’t cut it for me....doesn’t leave me on a “high” like Patti Page’s simple, relaxed version does.


Now, it never ceases to amaze me that readers see only what they want to see in a post. This wasn’t an attack on Tommy….personally I think he’s a nice fellow judging from how he talks. But it WAS an observation about his playing. No one said he was incompetent as a player. I made the point about him “playing everything I heard in the key of C” and that he also seems to play everything “in the same style” and that I didn’t like his rendition of “Old Cape Cod!” What’s the big deal?

I like the way Rory plays, and I like to listen to Don M, and I like how Joe Ayala puts his songs across (Sway, The Way You Look Tonight, etc), and I said that too. Do you also get crucified for making POSITIVE remarks?

The point of my message was....“not everything is as it appears“....and up and coming musicians who are just beginners and view, what are considered, “knock-out” videos should be taught to question what they‘re watching. Maybe that powerhouse player giving that powerhouse performance is not the actual “powerhouse” in other areas of music!

I can’t make a better example than this: When I was a kid, I was watching a really excellent band. They did everything perfectly. And then....the female vocalist who was playing great keyboards suddenly put a guitar on and played it flawlessly . I was absolutely stunned by her versatility as a singer, keyboard player, and, now, a guitarist. But, at the end of her set, when I spoke to her, she winked at me and revealed....she “only knew three songs on the guitar” but....NO ONE IN THE AUDIENCE KNEW THAT! Until she said that, I was pretty discouraged just trying to learn ONE instrument!

So...that’s the way I’ve learned to view a lot of these many Youtube videos....with a grain of salt! Show me a mix of what you can do on that keyboard, play in different keys, different styles, show me you can emotionalize a tune and mostly, show me you’re not going for a world record for the most notes anyone can put in a song....and then I will be a “believer” that you’re a true all-around musician or entertainer!

P.S. So.....Gary....you seemed to have gotten your knickers in a twist. Did this help to "un-twist" them?

Mark

Perhaps, before you even say something positive about a clip, you should have something of your own out too? I mean, if your logic is anything valid, BOTH sides of this argument should stand.

Not to mention, I believe I've put up stuff before. So it's OK? LOL

Mark, I never mentioned your name. Come to think of it, I didn't mention anyone on this forum's name. I rest my case.

Cheers,

Gary

Almost forgot, I've put up lots of stuff, too.

Sorry, Gary.....I guess I got my own knickers in a twist!!!

Saying you don't like somebody's style is fine- we all differ to an extent. But if you or more importantly others are entertained by it, there's no need to break it down to simpler parts to make yourself feel better. It's like the guy who watches Chris Angel or another performer like him, then has to expose all of their "tricks". They, like musicians, are entertainers. There is no need to bring someone else down to feel better about yourself because you didn't understand or couldn't imitate what the performer seems to be doing. Magic isn't magic per say, and neither is musicianship. It should be viewed for its entertainment value not as an attack on anothers abilities. One's level of playing ability is proportionate to your dedication to learning and hours of practice, practice, practice and not just "natural" talent. Of course, the fact is that getting to true "pro" level or celebrity can afford more people and/or technology around them making sure things look and sound as polished as possible. But in this case, I can't believe the focus of Tommy's videos is to "fool" watchers into being impressed. Whether or not you like his style, he had to work to get to the level of skill he has. Being a spoiler or revealing someones "tricks" does not elevate your own level of skill or intellect. In my opinion, entertainers and their performances are not put out there as a challenge or insult to anyone else..in this case, it seems to be to share the fun he is having with others.

Well said, Sparky.

I think you need to read what I wrote again, and maybe take your time this time around and digest it. There was no attack on Tommy. How many different ways can I make my point until someone actually gets it.....my point (quoted above)?

I sometimes get the feeling there are Diki's and then there are Diki wannabe's....who, by the way, can never fill Diki's shoes when it comes to tearing up a poster....or ignoring the actual point the poster is trying to make. But, then, now that Boo isn't around, Diki's really a good "fill-in" for entertainment!

Mark