He's right... But I don't know if the problem is specific only to today's world. I was the same way in college 20 plus years ago until a few vital master musicians showed me that my shit wasn't together. It was something that I knew deep down but up till thenI was in denial about it. It put me on the path that I'm still on, trying to become a better musician. I hope I never feel like I've "arrived," because it will probably mean that I suck again.
This guy is a douche. What kind of teacher would tell their students they're "full of shit" and "more interested in an image of themselves?" That wouldn't exactly motivate them to practice and get better, now would it? They might even give up. The key is CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM. There's a happy medium between kissing someone's ass and tearing them to shreds.
He is correct. As a middle school teacher in an urban school district, I'm faced with the same problem. Students do not want to work hard for an education. They want the teacher to do all the sacrificing and compromising while they "breeze" on to the next grade without truly learning anything.
The youth today think we owe them something, they look for praise and if it is not given, they act like we're wrong and jealous of their talent. Talent is God given, but do they have to act like they are the ones who invited music. Please. My daughter is talented but she will tell you she works hard, she is always studying to get better. These open their mouths and that's it, I can make money and feel there is no work behind it.
I don't know for sure what to think, I agree with him without a doubt, but I feel like he states his very valid and true opinion in a pretty arrogant way, if we want current a future generations to reach for a higher artistic level we should approach it as a constructive "you need to earn good chops through practice, etc", not "you and your generation are shit"
@dreamsofapollo I think he reached the "you and your generation are shit" after so many "you need to earn good chops through practice, etc." Plus, this is a clip of a longer interview, so we don't know what was said before or after.
And I'm not saying students who want to play Jazz should slack off and "slide by" their lessons, I actually do agree with Bradford here a bit, but the arrogance here is ridiculous. Players like Coltrane certainly weren't stereotypical snobs who were quick to call younger, practicing musicians "full of shit".
@jakesmithiron Did you watch the video? I don't think you did. What he's saying is that people nowadays are so entitled, that we have to cater things to them and inflate their sense of self-worth. Nothing elitist about that.
@jakesmithiron You knew Coltrane? wow, that's pretty cool. Could you give me some examples of how he wasn't a snob? How many students he had in comparison with Bradford? Hey remember that time? No, you dont. Maybe, just maybe, the truth is too hard for people to swallow. Obviously Bradford encourages his students, He's Bradford MARSALIS! Yea I've met him a few times, he encouraged me a lot. If people think this is arragant, they're just not thinking on his level.
When I go to most Jazz videos (From Duke Ellington to John Coltrane) do you know what I see? I simply see Jazz fans having a good time. I see a variety of fans- from 60 year old who grew up with Jazz, to young teenagers who just started playing. I see them simply enjoying themselves, talking about other musical groups (from hip-hop to rock). And what do I see here? Pure elitism . No wonder why so many people now hate academic music- you guys are the definition of snobbery.
@jakesmithiron Maybe you should read a book on Jazz history then? youtube isn't the gospel on the culture and traditions of this art. Take, as one example, the swingingest most good-time band of all time, Basie's band. You know what happened when a young Charlie Parker sat in at a jam session with Jo Jones, Basie's drummer? Bird's playing was so sad, Jones threw his cymbal at him on the stand, humiliating the teenager in front of his peers and the audience. Too elitist for you?
So, he's saying very arrogantly that all students are shit because they are not humble. Seems a bit hypocritical to me. I do agree with what he's saying for the most part but it's hard to take him serious when he contradicts himself like that and can't admit to learning ONE positive thing from his students. I'm a musician myself and I learn TONS from the people I teach. Each and every one of them have beautiful things to show you if you look.
This is so damn true. At my University I spend hours in a practice room, then watch other kids just float by in their lessons. Then they'll get the same degree I will, interview for the same teaching positions I do, and who know? They could get it. My prof tells me I'm good, but who knows if I am? She probs tells the same thing to the other ones who don't practice.
@LuckilyCarolyn He speaks the truth! I'm an art major and it seems to me that today's artists that rewarded are the mediocre types who draw a pencil on a canvas line then people rave about avant garde that person is when in truth they are as Bradford "full of Shit." Great musical talent comes from discilpine and hard work. He's right! Both he and myself and his brother are in the same generation he spoke of, the previous one so he's on the money!
As a 20 year old, i agree with him and sadly in many ways I'm the stereotype he mentions. The good thing about practice is tho no matter how good i think i am, i sit down for 10 mins and think I'm a hunk of shit.
Truth is Truth and we better suck it up and really listen to this as its an epidemic that most aspiring musicians or wanna be cats just love the idea not the reality of what needs to be done to get to the goal posts...peace
perfect. it's so true; so FRUSTRATINGLY true from a music teacher's perspective.
there is no aggravation like putting together a lesson for a kid who you think is going to really grow into something. You meditate on it and REALLY care about the path you're putting him on, only to have him piss it away and not practice it because it's too hard and not instantly gratifying and it doesn't reaffirm their concept of their "great talents" easily enough.
Now that I think about it, I've had a couple of students like that (ages 10-16) ... and there is not much you can say to them that will change their minds... if you critique them they either don't believe you or don't think it's important.
I liked seeing this video, and for the record I'm not a big Branford fan. I appreciate Branford speaking some truth & not sugar coating it.
This video is priceless, it is one the money and as accurate as it gets. I applaud Branford for saying it like it is. The courage is more than admirable. Thank you so much.
Give them the praise when its deserved and teach them how to love music as you do. and the "bull shit" will turn into sincere compliments. which is what you want to here anyway.
NO. No. no... I promise you that Marsalis, while he was a student, wanted to be praised and was "full of shit" Its that simple. His problem is he is not as good a teacher to certain students as he is a player. because he is a perfectionist, and was taught to how to work hard,. and FORGETS that unfortunately everyone was not raised like that. BEing a teacher takes the same self sacrifice as raising a child. It all of the sudden does not become about you. Its about the kid/student.
wow branford SERIOUSLY must have came across the wrong students cause my teacher(a studio player in LA) has students with great dedication and really, all those students that were in like all southern or all state jazz groups are DEFINITELY no where near what branford describes them as
This is one of the most honest and true things I´ve heard about the USA reality today from an American person. As a European I can clearly see that the majority of young American kids are lost in their lazines and egoism, wanting success without any effort. It wasn´t used to be like this in the US.. Do you think it´s not true?So why Brandroford mentions that?
@JiriUL Yeah-it is completely like that here in the U.S. ...everyone just buys an acoustic guitar,learns a 'C' chord and tells everyone else that they are now an "artist"...I'm just tryin' to avoid the pitfalls in jazz music study that Branford is talking about here...in fact,I'm signing out now and going back to the practice room!LOL!
That's so true. I went through 0:22 - 0:26 during high school. I was a freshman going to Cardinal Gibbons School and I switched to the trombone. My music teacher was great, except for the fact his knowledge on brass instruments were limited. For about two years in school, I thought I was the shit. Turns out, I sucked. Fortunately, I studied and researched the best trombonists of all time for later years. Now, I'm refining my trombone techniques with a jazz workshop. I'm 21 btw.
@bmorerich89 Wow! All my teachers told me I sucked!LOL! I've come back to it though-I keep trying and practicing...and I WISH I was still 21.Good luck to you my man.
this coming from a musician who shits all over John Coltrane's Music by trying to recreate A Love Supreme and who attempts and fails miserably at playing classical music.
Open your eyes people! The Marsalis are a family of musicians, who have all worked their arses off and who play for musicians above all.
On Youtube how much rubbish gets incredible views? (i.e. autumn leaves on two guitars). How much does complete shit get praised nowadays? Consider in the 19th century amateur-musicians knew how to read, write and compose music. The amateur of today hardly knows how to play. We are slowly degenerating into morons without any sense of direction, even musically.
That attitude started at the home. A lot of students who feel they are talented were raised by parents or grandparents who inflated their ego, encouraged their lackluster-talented children into believing they can do anything they want to do, which is TOTALLY false. Early education encourages that mindset by giving out garbage awards to every child, regardless of merit. The realization of pragmatism needs to be taught early to avoid the boulevard of broken dreams later.
I have seen schools in USA where teachers are SCARED to death HOW their own student will "evaluate" them... ALso schools where students have been accepted just because school needed their MONEY (tuition). SOlution?
1) Universtiy education should be free of charge for anyone ( Europe)
2) ONly the best applicatn should be acepted that DESERVE that free education
3) they should work, respect techers and appreciate where they are and not "request, evaluate, and bitch"
0:30 - 0:35 " ...and THOSE schools will make THE MONEY" Wellthis is one (MAJOR) part of the problem, in a SYSTEM where SCHOOLS charge, and take MONEY for education the Education becomes "SELLING GOOd" and schools become "sellers" and students become "customers" and add "evaluation of the teachers" to it, and you have the answer WHY 90% of all that "UNIVERSITY EDUCATION" in countries like USA where schools MAKE MONEY, -is SHIT.
Got the point??? Education can NOT function on "money".
0:30 - 0:35 " ...and THOSE schools will make THE MONEY" Wellthis is one (MAJOR) part of the problem, in a SYSTEM where SCHOOLS charge, and take MONEY for eduacation the Education becomes "SELLING GOOd" and schools become "sellers" and students become "customers" and add "evaluation of the teachers" to it, and you have the answer WHY 90% of all that "UNIVERSITY EDUCATION" in countries like USA where schools MAKE MONEY, -is SHIT.
Got the point??? Education can NOT function on "money".
Not all students are like this, but I have also run into this problem (as I am sure most teachers have). Brashly spoken, but it it angers and offends, well...you might want to really think about why.
yup. nailed it. i agree 100 percent! after a two decades of living as a full time musician, i was asked to teach at the local college. i had the same experience. thank you for speaking the Truth, in a time of ultimate illusions.
I agree 100% and for those who protest about his rather wide swash of the brush, please give pause to the fact that he is doing so with intent, to give those who watch this to think. Screw the etiquette. He is absolutely correct. And you know what? The same applies to sports and most arts. Much of America has become soft and inflated with instant gratification syndrome...a nation loaded with consumers who gripe about everything but aren't willing to put forth the effort to do anything about it.
What? Tons of players work their asses off at Berklee etc. There are fabulous young players out, but that's not the issue. The music is dying because no one gives a flying f$&k about it. AND, record companies could care less how good a player might be; it's all about, "how can this chump make money". We a dichotomy of musicians mainly supporting musicians with the rare one-off that draws little interest. Jazz has no messiah the public is interested in. Figure that out and the music is saved.
Sym, not only does your comment not make sense, your comment immediately insults a musician and a teacher who is trying to "slap" some sense into our society! It is a much needed discussion. We are resting on our laurels and, therefore, stagnating and deteriorating. Our celebration of mediocrity is coming to a close and it will soon be followed by a wake in the honor of hard work, determination, and humility.
Sym, not only does your comment not make sense, your comment immediately insults a musician and teacher who is trying to "slap" some sense into our society! It is a much needed discussion. We are resting on our laurels and, therefore, stagnating and deteriorating. Our celebration of mediocrity is coming to a close and it will soon be followed by a wake in the honor of hard work, determination, and humility.
Only in the final 5 seconds does he say "most of them." There are those students who seek hollow praise, and then there are those students who work their butts off and expect to get told how bad they still sound just because they know that will make them better. Don't paint them with the same brush, man.
Get off your high horse and understand that though you can charge $30,000 per show now, you're still not as good as your brother.
There's some truth to this, but I know so many musicians who work so hard to try to become the best at their instrument they can. You're always going to get egoists at music schools, but you do get people who work very hard and are realistic. If I was one of Branford's students I wouldn't be too happy with what he said. The Marsalis brothers talk a lot of "daddy knows best", and while the are both fantastic players, they aren't the most innovative composers. They have a lot to learn too.
This generation has an attitude of entitlement that would never survive working with the old school musicians. I was lucky to have had a father who made us prove ourselves before we ever went out and did a gig...
This generation has an "entitlement " attitude that would never make it with the old school musicians that NEVER commented on your ability. They expected you to prove yourself, and if you could hang, they'd keep calling you for the gigs.
Reminds me of my middle school band teacher. He yells at everyone and has no problem pointing out where we made our mistakes and that we need to pick up our instruments and practice everyday. Only those who couldn't take the yelling dropped the class. Those of us that stayed became part of one of the better school bands in the district.
One of the best music teachers I had in my opinion. Gave us a real drive to improve ourselves.
You've gotta work to earn your keep. Sometimes it may come quicker than other times, but all the same, believe in your own abilities, don't compromise on what you love, and stay true and humble.
Haha you guys are taking this the wrong way. I see it as a challenge. I'm gonna practice my ass off until I can tell Branford he's full of shit. Great guy I love that he's a thinker!
you should see how he treats young kids who want to jam with him...there is a fine line between education and bullying. He crosses it pretty frequently.
He's Right in saying this. I always seem to be in trouble with schools for telling students the truth about there playing. It has gotten worse in the last 15 years. There are some students that are the exception, but it is less and less each year. But they can play a video game like i've never seen.
Im 19 and have been playing guitar for about 8 years now and although its true that there are alot of self absorbed musicians or people who are in play for the wrong reasons I have managed to surround myself with hard working/open minded players. Chumps have always been around but now we have self-important ones.
What I would do to grow up in the era of swing. It sucks living in the modern world but I still practice my upright every day. I must say though my generation is nothing compared to the "get-everything-handed-to-them" like the generation following World War II. But, that's just my opinion. Not a day goes by that I don't play along with Wynton CDs or Parker records just for the hell of it, and I don't think once about "how good I am" or "how good others think I am." He's right about most students
You don't have to destroy a student's self esteem to teach them. A good teacher sets the bar high and models a love of learning. There's no room for any ego. No time for it. A good teacher shows a student how much there is to learn. Does Mr Marsalis do that? I hope so.
While basically agreeing with what he is saying, I do have one problem: where is this generation of people who didn't want others to tell them how great they are and who ALL were hard working? Is it not the case that all generations have been essentially like what he describes and that work ethic and dedication of the type exemplified by Mr. Marsalis has always been a rare commodity? The problem with his logic is that it relies on the notion of a 'better time' that we have now fallen from.
@piedlin10 Your response here is very insightful. Mr. Marsalis' statements are true of any era. In every generation, only the select few have the drive, discipline and determination to rise above mediocrity.
@piedlin10 Hi, piedlin. The thing is, that's exactly the case. I remember better times, harder working times. I come from the funk era of the horn bands and can remember back in the day when ALL these groups had regularly consistent rehearsal times. players took pride in not only their band but their craft on a personal level. It's not like that today. Now it's throw together some tunes than everyone knows and go out and make a few bucks and however it sounds is what it'll be.
I agree with him, im a 17 and am a jazz bassist. There is no reward without dedication and a great work ethic. Many people at my school forget this. Personally im not happy unless i get 28-34 hours a week in. Thats about 4 hours a day.
When you're able to play with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, to record unforgettable sax lines on Public Enemy's Fight The Power or Sting's Englishman in NewYork and to create original contemporary jazz music (including Buckshot LeFonque ;) ANYTHING you have to say gotta be PRICELESS.
Even if I agree with the comment below saying there's nothing revolutionary in Branford's speech, you don't hear it that much these days...and it feels so good :)
@Fjord76 Very well said. The phrase 'keeping it real' is used very loosely today but what Branford says here is the real deal. Btw, Branford's solo on Fight The Power was a great moment. I would love to have heard more 'jazz musicians' go in that direction.
@ImaniHekima yeah, the main thing in my opinion, is that Branford proly doesn't consider himself as a jazzman (hence the ' ' ;) As far as i'm concerned, he's showing the way since the 80's (i'm really aware of who he is since Spike Lee's Mo'BetterBlues) but reading some of the comments on this page leads me to think that most of people don't really know what he's done actually and when they hear soem real talk like here, they're like 'Get off your high horse...' pff ignorance is bliss...
I've been watching this video for over one year and I am still amazed at how insightful and smart Branford is here. He is a genius and so is his brother. Really
Sat at a desk three feet in front of Branford at a workshop, and was illuminated and energized by his insistence on playing better through hard work and practice. The night before, he'd gotten a 5 minute standing O at the Stanford Jazz Festival. He also played ensemble with several tippy-top NY saxophonists I won't name. You couldn't miss he contrast. His huge tone, energy, and fluency on his instrument made the others sound like boys whose voices hadn't changed yet. Tough love, Professor!
@JazzCapacitor I'm a college professor, and sadly, I think Branford is right. Of course, there are exceptions, but I think the NORM has become the pursuit of mediocrity. Just getting by is what most students do. They dont know what high standards really are, nor have they been taught. They want extra credit for reading the course material! Part of my mission is to change this norm. I'm not winking, and I've seen people destroyed because they don't wink. Speak truth to power, Branford!
There are lots of killing musicians who don't need to dish out clumsily formulated totalising theorys about music and socialogy.
The Marsarlis's opinions are only enjoyed by sheep who need an absoulte 'truth' to be comforted.Every soft industrialised country suffers from this cult of sympathy. Plus,schools need the money and its expensive to lose students.
The musicians who aren't hardworking enough don't work anyway!
Young players can earn their dues without windbags like him.
this coming from a musician who craps all over John Coltrane's Music by trying to recreate A Love Supreme and who attempts and fails miserably at playing classical music.
this coming from a musician who shits all over John Coltrane's Music by trying to recreate A Love Supreme and who attempts and fails miserably at playing classical music.
this coming from a musician who shits all over John Coltrane's Music by trying to recreate A Love Supreme and who attempts and fails miserably at playing classical music.
Some may say Branford is making a huge generalization here. Actually he is performing a great service. Heed his warning players! Do you want to be a real jazz musician or a poser?
Well Jazz if he is giving out the information to them he SHOULD get paid......that education and years of experience he brings to the table is not free! It's not in him if the students are not able to apply it! I've been on both sides of this and I know what it means to put in the work and watch the lazy ones fall by the wayside.....if you want it you'll do what it takes to get there! I'll bet you wouldn't teach some prima Donna for free.....that sucks! I'd teach a student that's willing to wor
@biggus Man the only real way to preserve the integrity of the idiom IS to have real players like Branford and others pass the truth along to those coming behind them. Part of the problem with the music now is too many Jazz players "lightened up!" they lightened up so much that people are easily fooled by parlor tricks and no one hits the "shed" anymore! Keep it real bro......or the music will die....
Thank you thank yo thank you! I cannot agree enough with this assessment of the current generation of students! I have been having the same issue with a lot of young players for years! They either think they're the man or that they know enough tricks to get them through any musical situation! Bull shasta!! When most if them find out how much work is involved in really being a monster player.... They quit and do something else! Bye then!!!!
I totally agree with what Branford says. However, going to music school in Philly has shown me that while 90% of my classmates aren't willing to practice as much as possible to grow as musicians, that last 10% are some of the hardest working young adults I've ever met. A true artist must always strive to improve or risk becoming stagnant.
@BiggussDikkus What the hell do you mean anymore? Jazz has never been a hugely popular music anyway, except to the then more educated blacks from the 20's to 1960's., but not for the general pop. Miles, Monk, Lacy, Cannonball, Rollins, Shorter, Wes Montgomery; u name it, all pontificated about society. Hell that was/is part of real Jazz as a lifestyle. Possibly the only sweetheart about it was Coltrane who also pontificated. So the bad ass Branford family follows lead. Maybe go practice!
@outersun ...if today's jazz music sounded like the people you're naming -- Monk, Cannonball, Lacy etc. -- then I would agree with Branford. But the real reason why jazz lost its audience is because the musicians' attitudes are simply too negative. I know Miles was negative too, but at least there was a such thing as the "right" way to play with Miles. Nowadays, guys preach only to COMPENSATE for the records they don't sell.
@BiggussDikkus I agree; they are negative...and here's why: Vince Herring has a hand full of people show up at a Midwest Jazz club but the local non-playing Jazz cat with the 5 digit mark VI playing arpeggios with an unstable altissimo can pack the house with hooting and hollering friends/fans that think what he's playing Jazz. They would buy his albums also, but not Courtney Pine's or Pat Martino's. "Jazz" fans today accept these poor players which boost these lazy "Jazz" players. That's it!
@outersun ...I agree that Vincent Herring is a genius, but what's wrong with jazz players lightening up a little? Vincent Herring has a sweet tone, but his compositions are so unnecessarily complex, that you can't hear him. That's why Stan Getz still sells albums -- because he sounds sweet and positive. If the music is uplifting, then people will buy it, and the composers will feel more positive when they succeed. Otherwise, we'll be stuck with the same Marsalis-type preachers forever.
Right on, Branford---- this mentality extends to all facets of the American existence these days.
Why do you think our country is so fucked up? The status quo wants more, faster, now. And they want their asses wiped along with it. They have MBA's, or whatever, and fuck the hard work--- take the money, the whatever, and run. That is NOT what the sweat off of the billions of broken backs of our Fathers, Mothers and all the giants upon who's shoulders we dare to stand, should have amounted to.
I agree ONLY to the extent that the teacher (and his/her) administration) is willing to accept that status. Day 1 is when agreement is established that PERFORMANCE remains the standard; neither "effort" nor "talent" is enough. "Do or do not... there is no try" - Yoda. I had a paramedic student protest to my Dean that the 80% standard I demanded was too high. His supportive response amazed me, "You mean you can be wrong 20% of the time when you're trying to save my life??? Get outta here!!"
no....quite a few in this generation don't think this, especially jazz musicians imo...i thought he would say the opposite, that today 10hours of practice in a 24hour period is the norm for an aspiring musician
I agree with this guy so much, even though its about my generation. I've worked my ass off my whole life (so far) to get what I need to get, and I don't give a shit whether people tell me I'm good at something or not. I'd rather have someone tell me I'm not good at something so I can work harder and become good at it than have someone tell me I'm good at something that I'm terrible at.
anyway i agree with marsalis because sure the problem is the new generations of students.and sometimes teachers don't want to risk their job for stupids kids that don't appreciate constructive advice.
i personally think that the problem sometimes are the teacher, i'm italian and when in summer there are workshops(all with american musicians-teacher) you should pray them to tell you what they really think of you and your ability, they always say: it's ok!you play it right! you play good!
once i tell : so i play perfectly, tonight i will play with you in the concert ,and you'll pay me, no?
and only then i had a sincerely answer and some constructive advices.
Wrong is right and wrong is sill wrong! All the talking in the world will never change that! How did this whole thing flip flop? There has to be a standard or nothing means anything! Gravity still works. so spiritual laws aren't real? They obviously work as well!!!!!! To bad this world can't see that!
It's so true. It's all about money these days, how no one has any, and how everyone wants to keep what they have. Just look at those, "Funny" American Idol auditions. In actuality, there's nothing funny about it. These kids are delusional and really believe they are fantastic and don't want to hear otherwise. What a mess, what a mess...
As a teacher I agree with Branford to a point. I think that students mature in stages and eventually they get to a place where they realize that they need to hit the shed and that they don't know it all. Its a matter of maturity and this generation has the luxury of not having to mature as quickly as other generations. Plus its a generation with thin skins where everyone is a winner and you are coddled to avoid injuring a your psyche. Character isn't built that way.
bahahaha! sweet my bass teacher showed me this and just after it one of his guitar students came in and my teacher said that he was getting a B and he was like "but i should be getting an A right?" and it proved a point haha!
I can't disagree. Being in high school now, I always want to get better at what I'm doing, but my peers around me don't seem to have the same drive. Today in class, my music teacher told us to go watch this clip. Now that I've done it, I can't agree more, and I can't disagree at all. He's absolutely correct.
Most students can't really play, know nothing about music and don't want to know anything about music except some superficial sh*t.
And if you criticize them, they start to whine and to dislike you and to look for excuses why they couldn't practice or why the point you want to teach them isn't relevant in their view.
Branford is 100% right on. Those that think he's off either
a) don't have a clue
b) don't like it because they fit into the group he's talking about
c) all of the above
This generation has a mentality that everything should be handed to them. Their thoughts are "it's all about me" and their entitlement ... even though they haven't paid their dues.
@drummercafe I totally agree with Branford, and he also said it's the same problem that the generation before it had. Everyone wants to hear about how good they are and how right they are, and that has never changed.
Check it out, when most of the country goes by this ideology, those of who want criticism don't receive it. So the teachers end up becoming the problem and too politically correct for their own good. I understand where Branford is coming from, but the idea that ALL players are like this, that all students need a constant reaffirmation of their playing, just sounds like a tuba in a woodwind ensemble. Maybe sax players, but us bassists want to work.
U & he r 200% on pt except 4 1 thing, it's not just THIS current gen. Next or gen Y or even my gen. X. It;s the hippy gen, baby boomers, so forth & so on.
Most humans on earth want 2 be lied 2! Most folks can't handle the truth as Jack Nicklson said! No one wants 2 be told they suck, can't sing, dance, act, swim, run, or play well, r ugly, wrinkled, or disgusting looking. No one wants 2 be told their crazy, retarded, or dumb!
I think that there are plenty who are full of shit, but there are even more who are not. This is such a broad statement that he's making, and to attempt to make a single sentence generalization about all students is foolish.
@gestrumpet Or maybe you might focus your ears a tad better and realize that he says "my students" their grasshopper! So I would most like think he knows the students of whom he's taught. Ciao.
good lord, man, should we be so lucky as to have HALF the teacher/father he had, growing up...
just the name "Before the Music Dies" is pretty indicative of how this filmmaker thinks about Jazz music, or music, for that matter, in general. I mean, if we're going to say that Jazz music is going to be "dead", how come we have Erica Badu in this movie...? i mean, SHE'S taking the music new directions...
He's right... But I don't know if the problem is specific only to today's world. I was the same way in college 20 plus years ago until a few vital master musicians showed me that my shit wasn't together. It was something that I knew deep down but up till thenI was in denial about it. It put me on the path that I'm still on, trying to become a better musician. I hope I never feel like I've "arrived," because it will probably mean that I suck again.
bklynbass 2 days ago
That is the truth.Marsalis talking about something that alot musicians dont want to hear.
LOUD7 1 week ago
This guy is a douche. What kind of teacher would tell their students they're "full of shit" and "more interested in an image of themselves?" That wouldn't exactly motivate them to practice and get better, now would it? They might even give up. The key is CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM. There's a happy medium between kissing someone's ass and tearing them to shreds.
psyoptica 3 weeks ago
He is correct. As a middle school teacher in an urban school district, I'm faced with the same problem. Students do not want to work hard for an education. They want the teacher to do all the sacrificing and compromising while they "breeze" on to the next grade without truly learning anything.
dlastqueen 1 month ago
The youth today think we owe them something, they look for praise and if it is not given, they act like we're wrong and jealous of their talent. Talent is God given, but do they have to act like they are the ones who invited music. Please. My daughter is talented but she will tell you she works hard, she is always studying to get better. These open their mouths and that's it, I can make money and feel there is no work behind it.
sandrahathorn67 1 month ago
This so true...stunningly great to hear this from a professional.
Khalilullah 1 month ago
I don't know for sure what to think, I agree with him without a doubt, but I feel like he states his very valid and true opinion in a pretty arrogant way, if we want current a future generations to reach for a higher artistic level we should approach it as a constructive "you need to earn good chops through practice, etc", not "you and your generation are shit"
dreamsofapollo 1 month ago
@dreamsofapollo I think he reached the "you and your generation are shit" after so many "you need to earn good chops through practice, etc." Plus, this is a clip of a longer interview, so we don't know what was said before or after.
dlastqueen 1 month ago
And I'm not saying students who want to play Jazz should slack off and "slide by" their lessons, I actually do agree with Bradford here a bit, but the arrogance here is ridiculous. Players like Coltrane certainly weren't stereotypical snobs who were quick to call younger, practicing musicians "full of shit".
jakesmithiron 2 months ago
@jakesmithiron Did you watch the video? I don't think you did. What he's saying is that people nowadays are so entitled, that we have to cater things to them and inflate their sense of self-worth. Nothing elitist about that.
TheLogan1156 1 month ago
@jakesmithiron You knew Coltrane? wow, that's pretty cool. Could you give me some examples of how he wasn't a snob? How many students he had in comparison with Bradford? Hey remember that time? No, you dont. Maybe, just maybe, the truth is too hard for people to swallow. Obviously Bradford encourages his students, He's Bradford MARSALIS! Yea I've met him a few times, he encouraged me a lot. If people think this is arragant, they're just not thinking on his level.
neverwrest09 1 month ago
When I go to most Jazz videos (From Duke Ellington to John Coltrane) do you know what I see? I simply see Jazz fans having a good time. I see a variety of fans- from 60 year old who grew up with Jazz, to young teenagers who just started playing. I see them simply enjoying themselves, talking about other musical groups (from hip-hop to rock). And what do I see here? Pure elitism . No wonder why so many people now hate academic music- you guys are the definition of snobbery.
jakesmithiron 2 months ago
@jakesmithiron Maybe you should read a book on Jazz history then? youtube isn't the gospel on the culture and traditions of this art. Take, as one example, the swingingest most good-time band of all time, Basie's band. You know what happened when a young Charlie Parker sat in at a jam session with Jo Jones, Basie's drummer? Bird's playing was so sad, Jones threw his cymbal at him on the stand, humiliating the teenager in front of his peers and the audience. Too elitist for you?
VonNashman 1 week ago
So, he's saying very arrogantly that all students are shit because they are not humble. Seems a bit hypocritical to me. I do agree with what he's saying for the most part but it's hard to take him serious when he contradicts himself like that and can't admit to learning ONE positive thing from his students. I'm a musician myself and I learn TONS from the people I teach. Each and every one of them have beautiful things to show you if you look.
pantallametalla 3 months ago
@pantallametalla The difference is that he can play and the students can't. Given that you see hypocrisy I'm guessing you can't play either.
Tohkeeoh7 3 months ago
This is so damn true. At my University I spend hours in a practice room, then watch other kids just float by in their lessons. Then they'll get the same degree I will, interview for the same teaching positions I do, and who know? They could get it. My prof tells me I'm good, but who knows if I am? She probs tells the same thing to the other ones who don't practice.
LuckilyCarolyn 3 months ago
@LuckilyCarolyn He speaks the truth! I'm an art major and it seems to me that today's artists that rewarded are the mediocre types who draw a pencil on a canvas line then people rave about avant garde that person is when in truth they are as Bradford "full of Shit." Great musical talent comes from discilpine and hard work. He's right! Both he and myself and his brother are in the same generation he spoke of, the previous one so he's on the money!
gjohnsoningary 2 months ago
As a 20 year old, i agree with him and sadly in many ways I'm the stereotype he mentions. The good thing about practice is tho no matter how good i think i am, i sit down for 10 mins and think I'm a hunk of shit.
trevidog 3 months ago
Truth is Truth and we better suck it up and really listen to this as its an epidemic that most aspiring musicians or wanna be cats just love the idea not the reality of what needs to be done to get to the goal posts...peace
Torabisu777 4 months ago
The greatest sax teacher I ever had, gave maybe 2 small compliments (that is, a nod and "not bad") in the whole year. It was great.
janmorez 4 months ago
perfect. it's so true; so FRUSTRATINGLY true from a music teacher's perspective.
there is no aggravation like putting together a lesson for a kid who you think is going to really grow into something. You meditate on it and REALLY care about the path you're putting him on, only to have him piss it away and not practice it because it's too hard and not instantly gratifying and it doesn't reaffirm their concept of their "great talents" easily enough.
the shit's frustrating. word, branford
StylistMourner 4 months ago
Now that I think about it, I've had a couple of students like that (ages 10-16) ... and there is not much you can say to them that will change their minds... if you critique them they either don't believe you or don't think it's important.
I liked seeing this video, and for the record I'm not a big Branford fan. I appreciate Branford speaking some truth & not sugar coating it.
uninoculated 4 months ago
who gives a fuck what he thinks about anything......he's a good musician but .....please save the soapbox bullshit
MrJohnnycrabcake 4 months ago
This video is priceless, it is one the money and as accurate as it gets. I applaud Branford for saying it like it is. The courage is more than admirable. Thank you so much.
bugsprayer 5 months ago
Give them the praise when its deserved and teach them how to love music as you do. and the "bull shit" will turn into sincere compliments. which is what you want to here anyway.
MHerreraMusic 5 months ago
NO. No. no... I promise you that Marsalis, while he was a student, wanted to be praised and was "full of shit" Its that simple. His problem is he is not as good a teacher to certain students as he is a player. because he is a perfectionist, and was taught to how to work hard,. and FORGETS that unfortunately everyone was not raised like that. BEing a teacher takes the same self sacrifice as raising a child. It all of the sudden does not become about you. Its about the kid/student.
MHerreraMusic 5 months ago
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outjazzer 5 months ago
wow branford SERIOUSLY must have came across the wrong students cause my teacher(a studio player in LA) has students with great dedication and really, all those students that were in like all southern or all state jazz groups are DEFINITELY no where near what branford describes them as
rvbcaboose777 5 months ago
My dad named me after this nigga..and I check his video and he says we full of shit ???...WAY TO GO DAD !!!
360Porshe 5 months ago
he's a virgin
estuwar13 6 months ago
This is one of the most honest and true things I´ve heard about the USA reality today from an American person. As a European I can clearly see that the majority of young American kids are lost in their lazines and egoism, wanting success without any effort. It wasn´t used to be like this in the US.. Do you think it´s not true?So why Brandroford mentions that?
JiriUL 6 months ago 2
@JiriUL Yeah-it is completely like that here in the U.S. ...everyone just buys an acoustic guitar,learns a 'C' chord and tells everyone else that they are now an "artist"...I'm just tryin' to avoid the pitfalls in jazz music study that Branford is talking about here...in fact,I'm signing out now and going back to the practice room!LOL!
God Bless...
Guitfiddlejase 5 months ago
That's so true. I went through 0:22 - 0:26 during high school. I was a freshman going to Cardinal Gibbons School and I switched to the trombone. My music teacher was great, except for the fact his knowledge on brass instruments were limited. For about two years in school, I thought I was the shit. Turns out, I sucked. Fortunately, I studied and researched the best trombonists of all time for later years. Now, I'm refining my trombone techniques with a jazz workshop. I'm 21 btw.
bmorerich89 7 months ago
@bmorerich89 Wow! All my teachers told me I sucked!LOL! I've come back to it though-I keep trying and practicing...and I WISH I was still 21.Good luck to you my man.
Guitfiddlejase 5 months ago
I want him to punch me in the face. Thank You Branford God
zbilson 7 months ago
kind of an egotist...
cinnamonsweetdream 8 months ago
How right on is he? Wonderfully said Branford. So many people need to hear that, not just music students....
bfleury1 8 months ago 3
I'd be honored to be his student
jonnierekkisvalur 8 months ago 3
ΑΜΕΝ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
bloodySunday77 8 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
this coming from a musician who shits all over John Coltrane's Music by trying to recreate A Love Supreme and who attempts and fails miserably at playing classical music.
markjdover 8 months ago
Open your eyes people! The Marsalis are a family of musicians, who have all worked their arses off and who play for musicians above all.
On Youtube how much rubbish gets incredible views? (i.e. autumn leaves on two guitars). How much does complete shit get praised nowadays? Consider in the 19th century amateur-musicians knew how to read, write and compose music. The amateur of today hardly knows how to play. We are slowly degenerating into morons without any sense of direction, even musically.
giovannibulgari 8 months ago 9
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jazz1bro 9 months ago
NO TRUER WORDS HAVE EVER BEEN SPOKEN!!
whumbyrd 9 months ago
That attitude started at the home. A lot of students who feel they are talented were raised by parents or grandparents who inflated their ego, encouraged their lackluster-talented children into believing they can do anything they want to do, which is TOTALLY false. Early education encourages that mindset by giving out garbage awards to every child, regardless of merit. The realization of pragmatism needs to be taught early to avoid the boulevard of broken dreams later.
GAshoneybear 9 months ago
@GAshoneybear Amen to that!
issyvoo2 9 months ago
I have seen schools in USA where teachers are SCARED to death HOW their own student will "evaluate" them... ALso schools where students have been accepted just because school needed their MONEY (tuition). SOlution?
1) Universtiy education should be free of charge for anyone ( Europe)
2) ONly the best applicatn should be acepted that DESERVE that free education
3) they should work, respect techers and appreciate where they are and not "request, evaluate, and bitch"
4) twice failed- kicked out.
CommentMustBe 10 months ago
0:30 - 0:35 " ...and THOSE schools will make THE MONEY" Wellthis is one (MAJOR) part of the problem, in a SYSTEM where SCHOOLS charge, and take MONEY for education the Education becomes "SELLING GOOd" and schools become "sellers" and students become "customers" and add "evaluation of the teachers" to it, and you have the answer WHY 90% of all that "UNIVERSITY EDUCATION" in countries like USA where schools MAKE MONEY, -is SHIT.
Got the point??? Education can NOT function on "money".
CommentMustBe 10 months ago
0:30 - 0:35 " ...and THOSE schools will make THE MONEY" Wellthis is one (MAJOR) part of the problem, in a SYSTEM where SCHOOLS charge, and take MONEY for eduacation the Education becomes "SELLING GOOd" and schools become "sellers" and students become "customers" and add "evaluation of the teachers" to it, and you have the answer WHY 90% of all that "UNIVERSITY EDUCATION" in countries like USA where schools MAKE MONEY, -is SHIT.
Got the point??? Education can NOT function on "money".
CommentMustBe 10 months ago
Not all students are like this, but I have also run into this problem (as I am sure most teachers have). Brashly spoken, but it it angers and offends, well...you might want to really think about why.
kenkarsh 10 months ago
yup. nailed it. i agree 100 percent! after a two decades of living as a full time musician, i was asked to teach at the local college. i had the same experience. thank you for speaking the Truth, in a time of ultimate illusions.
steelparade 10 months ago
Branford is the shit !!!
magsax 10 months ago
This guy is the man.
KingCrimson776 10 months ago
Wow! Words of wisdom from such a great artist. I love his opening line.
2mitches 10 months ago
if he took me on as a student he could tell me i sucked ALL DAY ... i would not mind
ChimRichaldz 10 months ago 2
I totally understand this!!!!!! Thanks you so much man!
msjazzhorn 11 months ago
Keep Preaching my dude! this is 90% of the people at my college.
goldgretch 11 months ago
Preach, Marsalis!:)
LLThenu 11 months ago
I agree 100% and for those who protest about his rather wide swash of the brush, please give pause to the fact that he is doing so with intent, to give those who watch this to think. Screw the etiquette. He is absolutely correct. And you know what? The same applies to sports and most arts. Much of America has become soft and inflated with instant gratification syndrome...a nation loaded with consumers who gripe about everything but aren't willing to put forth the effort to do anything about it.
ampman1961 11 months ago
What? Tons of players work their asses off at Berklee etc. There are fabulous young players out, but that's not the issue. The music is dying because no one gives a flying f$&k about it. AND, record companies could care less how good a player might be; it's all about, "how can this chump make money". We a dichotomy of musicians mainly supporting musicians with the rare one-off that draws little interest. Jazz has no messiah the public is interested in. Figure that out and the music is saved.
lvferraripilot 11 months ago
@lvferraripilot as long as it's not james morrison...
DrBones2 10 months ago
Sym, not only does your comment not make sense, your comment immediately insults a musician and a teacher who is trying to "slap" some sense into our society! It is a much needed discussion. We are resting on our laurels and, therefore, stagnating and deteriorating. Our celebration of mediocrity is coming to a close and it will soon be followed by a wake in the honor of hard work, determination, and humility.
JymBritton 11 months ago
Sym, not only does your comment not make sense, your comment immediately insults a musician and teacher who is trying to "slap" some sense into our society! It is a much needed discussion. We are resting on our laurels and, therefore, stagnating and deteriorating. Our celebration of mediocrity is coming to a close and it will soon be followed by a wake in the honor of hard work, determination, and humility.
JymBritton 11 months ago
Only in the final 5 seconds does he say "most of them." There are those students who seek hollow praise, and then there are those students who work their butts off and expect to get told how bad they still sound just because they know that will make them better. Don't paint them with the same brush, man.
Get off your high horse and understand that though you can charge $30,000 per show now, you're still not as good as your brother.
symtrumpeter01 11 months ago
There's some truth to this, but I know so many musicians who work so hard to try to become the best at their instrument they can. You're always going to get egoists at music schools, but you do get people who work very hard and are realistic. If I was one of Branford's students I wouldn't be too happy with what he said. The Marsalis brothers talk a lot of "daddy knows best", and while the are both fantastic players, they aren't the most innovative composers. They have a lot to learn too.
flybynight420 11 months ago
you either play or you dont either way WHO GIVES A FUCK. this is music not politics.
TheFreemanuk 11 months ago
He is right.
This generation has an attitude of entitlement that would never survive working with the old school musicians. I was lucky to have had a father who made us prove ourselves before we ever went out and did a gig...
PATRICIA DEAN
PDean729 11 months ago
He is right.
This generation has an "entitlement " attitude that would never make it with the old school musicians that NEVER commented on your ability. They expected you to prove yourself, and if you could hang, they'd keep calling you for the gigs.
Bravo, Branford!!!
PDean729 11 months ago
This may well be the single most important Youtube clip ever.
flibbertergibbet 11 months ago
Reminds me of my middle school band teacher. He yells at everyone and has no problem pointing out where we made our mistakes and that we need to pick up our instruments and practice everyday. Only those who couldn't take the yelling dropped the class. Those of us that stayed became part of one of the better school bands in the district.
One of the best music teachers I had in my opinion. Gave us a real drive to improve ourselves.
Skullgirl2014 11 months ago
this. 100% so true.
redgrrrl27 11 months ago
can someone tell me the song in the background?
Bosphorus92 1 year ago
You've gotta work to earn your keep. Sometimes it may come quicker than other times, but all the same, believe in your own abilities, don't compromise on what you love, and stay true and humble.
OR - as my awesome teacher has put it
HOW TO SUCCEED IN LIFE IN THREE EASY STEPS
1) BE COOL
2) DON'T SUCK
3) HAVE DRIVE
gergenfonchen 1 year ago
Haha you guys are taking this the wrong way. I see it as a challenge. I'm gonna practice my ass off until I can tell Branford he's full of shit. Great guy I love that he's a thinker!
gotmeagrape 1 year ago
@gotmeagrape
you should see how he treats young kids who want to jam with him...there is a fine line between education and bullying. He crosses it pretty frequently.
tkdmaster3bd 1 year ago
My goodness! How right can a person be. About time people start calling bullshit bullshit...
hancman 1 year ago
He's Right in saying this. I always seem to be in trouble with schools for telling students the truth about there playing. It has gotten worse in the last 15 years. There are some students that are the exception, but it is less and less each year. But they can play a video game like i've never seen.
nmazziott 1 year ago
I love Branford for saying this!!!!!
10JLB 1 year ago
16 people are completely full of shit.
bopeuph 1 year ago 2
Im 19 and have been playing guitar for about 8 years now and although its true that there are alot of self absorbed musicians or people who are in play for the wrong reasons I have managed to surround myself with hard working/open minded players. Chumps have always been around but now we have self-important ones.
THeDUDe21892 1 year ago
he just summed me up
danablett 1 year ago
(sigh) What a relief. I was begining to think I was the only one who thought this.
nosediver 1 year ago
true...
62rome 1 year ago
What I would do to grow up in the era of swing. It sucks living in the modern world but I still practice my upright every day. I must say though my generation is nothing compared to the "get-everything-handed-to-them" like the generation following World War II. But, that's just my opinion. Not a day goes by that I don't play along with Wynton CDs or Parker records just for the hell of it, and I don't think once about "how good I am" or "how good others think I am." He's right about most students
KillswitchEngage42 1 year ago
You don't have to destroy a student's self esteem to teach them. A good teacher sets the bar high and models a love of learning. There's no room for any ego. No time for it. A good teacher shows a student how much there is to learn. Does Mr Marsalis do that? I hope so.
fiddlepal 1 year ago
While basically agreeing with what he is saying, I do have one problem: where is this generation of people who didn't want others to tell them how great they are and who ALL were hard working? Is it not the case that all generations have been essentially like what he describes and that work ethic and dedication of the type exemplified by Mr. Marsalis has always been a rare commodity? The problem with his logic is that it relies on the notion of a 'better time' that we have now fallen from.
piedlin10 1 year ago
@piedlin10 Your response here is very insightful. Mr. Marsalis' statements are true of any era. In every generation, only the select few have the drive, discipline and determination to rise above mediocrity.
bboyMarcus 1 year ago
@piedlin10 Hi, piedlin. The thing is, that's exactly the case. I remember better times, harder working times. I come from the funk era of the horn bands and can remember back in the day when ALL these groups had regularly consistent rehearsal times. players took pride in not only their band but their craft on a personal level. It's not like that today. Now it's throw together some tunes than everyone knows and go out and make a few bucks and however it sounds is what it'll be.
DSlam 1 year ago
@DSlam Buy a mic, a cheap keyboard, a drum machine and sequence program and become a mega rich rap star. Oh yeah, things are way different today.
DSlam 1 year ago
@DSlam
Really? What age was that?
tkdmaster3bd 1 year ago
id like to blame my students for not learning and not my shortcomings as a teacher for being unable to teach. mr m needs a class in mindfulness.
sri888 1 year ago
@sri888 at what level do you teach?
micheljch 1 year ago
Well. Its nice to see people who speak their mind!!!! Too many bullshiters today out there.....
MonacoRocha 1 year ago
@MonacoRocha Yes, he's not "winking" at the same time.
DSlam 1 year ago
I imagine this would be true for most student musicians.
Child0fDust 1 year ago
I agree with him, im a 17 and am a jazz bassist. There is no reward without dedication and a great work ethic. Many people at my school forget this. Personally im not happy unless i get 28-34 hours a week in. Thats about 4 hours a day.
huntermaui 1 year ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Jazz is Jizz
fukmans 1 year ago
if you dont agree whit what hes saying you ARE full of shit and you should meditate on this
litlewing 1 year ago
When you're able to play with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, to record unforgettable sax lines on Public Enemy's Fight The Power or Sting's Englishman in NewYork and to create original contemporary jazz music (including Buckshot LeFonque ;) ANYTHING you have to say gotta be PRICELESS.
Even if I agree with the comment below saying there's nothing revolutionary in Branford's speech, you don't hear it that much these days...and it feels so good :)
Fjord76 1 year ago 31
@Fjord76 Very well said. The phrase 'keeping it real' is used very loosely today but what Branford says here is the real deal. Btw, Branford's solo on Fight The Power was a great moment. I would love to have heard more 'jazz musicians' go in that direction.
ImaniHekima 11 months ago
@ImaniHekima yeah, the main thing in my opinion, is that Branford proly doesn't consider himself as a jazzman (hence the ' ' ;) As far as i'm concerned, he's showing the way since the 80's (i'm really aware of who he is since Spike Lee's Mo'BetterBlues) but reading some of the comments on this page leads me to think that most of people don't really know what he's done actually and when they hear soem real talk like here, they're like 'Get off your high horse...' pff ignorance is bliss...
Fjord76 11 months ago 7
This comment transcends music.
Branford = bill parcells of jazz
greauxpete 1 year ago
I've been watching this video for over one year and I am still amazed at how insightful and smart Branford is here. He is a genius and so is his brother. Really
prrolg 1 year ago
Sat at a desk three feet in front of Branford at a workshop, and was illuminated and energized by his insistence on playing better through hard work and practice. The night before, he'd gotten a 5 minute standing O at the Stanford Jazz Festival. He also played ensemble with several tippy-top NY saxophonists I won't name. You couldn't miss he contrast. His huge tone, energy, and fluency on his instrument made the others sound like boys whose voices hadn't changed yet. Tough love, Professor!
manabozho 1 year ago
wonderfly said!
slapit5 1 year ago
news flash: Most people who want to be good at music are not willing to put in the work to actually make that success a reality!
While I agree with Branford's sentiments, let's not pretend that he's saying anything revolutionary.
boogeywoogeybaby 1 year ago
WORD Mr. Marsalis! Word. I never want to go back into the matrix. Peace!
JazzCapacitor 1 year ago 20
@JazzCapacitor I'm a college professor, and sadly, I think Branford is right. Of course, there are exceptions, but I think the NORM has become the pursuit of mediocrity. Just getting by is what most students do. They dont know what high standards really are, nor have they been taught. They want extra credit for reading the course material! Part of my mission is to change this norm. I'm not winking, and I've seen people destroyed because they don't wink. Speak truth to power, Branford!
priceta992 10 months ago
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priceta992 10 months ago
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TheMrdonuts 1 year ago
Blame Bill Maher. He's the root cause.
LibertariansAreLiars 1 year ago
There are lots of killing musicians who don't need to dish out clumsily formulated totalising theorys about music and socialogy.
The Marsarlis's opinions are only enjoyed by sheep who need an absoulte 'truth' to be comforted.Every soft industrialised country suffers from this cult of sympathy. Plus,schools need the money and its expensive to lose students.
The musicians who aren't hardworking enough don't work anyway!
Young players can earn their dues without windbags like him.
dukeofwindsor2 1 year ago
You are so Right On!God BLESS YOU!
jazzrockaficianado 1 year ago
Bwahahahhahahaa!!!
timbledum 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
this coming from a musician who craps all over John Coltrane's Music by trying to recreate A Love Supreme and who attempts and fails miserably at playing classical music.
markjdover 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
this coming from a musician who shits all over John Coltrane's Music by trying to recreate A Love Supreme and who attempts and fails miserably at playing classical music.
markjdover 1 year ago
this coming from a musician who shits all over John Coltrane's Music by trying to recreate A Love Supreme and who attempts and fails miserably at playing classical music.
markjdover 1 year ago
@markjdover EXACTLY
LosProductions24 1 year ago
@markjdover and this comment coming from...who, again?
YaSuzukiCycle 1 year ago
Some may say Branford is making a huge generalization here. Actually he is performing a great service. Heed his warning players! Do you want to be a real jazz musician or a poser?
CribNotes 1 year ago 2
applause.
someone telling it like it is!
josenet2006 1 year ago
Branford's last good album was "Crazy People Music."
Ronny Jordan is the only jazz musician who really knows what to teach, and you never see him preaching. He preaches with his instrument.
AnnoyingFacts 1 year ago
none of these assholes BUY music so why go to music schools? ah? YEAH im talking about YOU!!!
checkabreak 1 year ago
Well Jazz if he is giving out the information to them he SHOULD get paid......that education and years of experience he brings to the table is not free! It's not in him if the students are not able to apply it! I've been on both sides of this and I know what it means to put in the work and watch the lazy ones fall by the wayside.....if you want it you'll do what it takes to get there! I'll bet you wouldn't teach some prima Donna for free.....that sucks! I'd teach a student that's willing to wor
bayce3 1 year ago
he's probably still happy to get paid to "teach" them.
jazzerfred 1 year ago
He is talking about himself.
nicolasletmanb 1 year ago
@biggus Man the only real way to preserve the integrity of the idiom IS to have real players like Branford and others pass the truth along to those coming behind them. Part of the problem with the music now is too many Jazz players "lightened up!" they lightened up so much that people are easily fooled by parlor tricks and no one hits the "shed" anymore! Keep it real bro......or the music will die....
bayce3 1 year ago
I do agree - fully!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is not that bad in Europe - but it is leading in the same direction as it already seems to be like in the USA.
Holletier 1 year ago
ouch
lannear 1 year ago
Man! How the hell can anyone disagree with what he's saying: his words made me introspect
akrotirifry9 1 year ago
Thank you thank yo thank you! I cannot agree enough with this assessment of the current generation of students! I have been having the same issue with a lot of young players for years! They either think they're the man or that they know enough tricks to get them through any musical situation! Bull shasta!! When most if them find out how much work is involved in really being a monster player.... They quit and do something else! Bye then!!!!
bayce3 1 year ago
I totally agree with what Branford says. However, going to music school in Philly has shown me that while 90% of my classmates aren't willing to practice as much as possible to grow as musicians, that last 10% are some of the hardest working young adults I've ever met. A true artist must always strive to improve or risk becoming stagnant.
wetdog158 1 year ago
Preach it!
jazzguitardotcom 1 year ago
...but the real issue is...
jazz music can't keep an audience anymore because the music simply doesn't uplift people's feelings and spirits.
...and when the music sucks, the musicians start pontificating about society, like the Marsalis family does.
Shut up and play some music!!!
BiggussDikkus 1 year ago
@BiggussDikkus What the hell do you mean anymore? Jazz has never been a hugely popular music anyway, except to the then more educated blacks from the 20's to 1960's., but not for the general pop. Miles, Monk, Lacy, Cannonball, Rollins, Shorter, Wes Montgomery; u name it, all pontificated about society. Hell that was/is part of real Jazz as a lifestyle. Possibly the only sweetheart about it was Coltrane who also pontificated. So the bad ass Branford family follows lead. Maybe go practice!
outersun 1 year ago
@outersun ...if today's jazz music sounded like the people you're naming -- Monk, Cannonball, Lacy etc. -- then I would agree with Branford. But the real reason why jazz lost its audience is because the musicians' attitudes are simply too negative. I know Miles was negative too, but at least there was a such thing as the "right" way to play with Miles. Nowadays, guys preach only to COMPENSATE for the records they don't sell.
BiggussDikkus 1 year ago
@BiggussDikkus I agree; they are negative...and here's why: Vince Herring has a hand full of people show up at a Midwest Jazz club but the local non-playing Jazz cat with the 5 digit mark VI playing arpeggios with an unstable altissimo can pack the house with hooting and hollering friends/fans that think what he's playing Jazz. They would buy his albums also, but not Courtney Pine's or Pat Martino's. "Jazz" fans today accept these poor players which boost these lazy "Jazz" players. That's it!
outersun 1 year ago
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BiggussDikkus 1 year ago
@outersun ...I agree that Vincent Herring is a genius, but what's wrong with jazz players lightening up a little? Vincent Herring has a sweet tone, but his compositions are so unnecessarily complex, that you can't hear him. That's why Stan Getz still sells albums -- because he sounds sweet and positive. If the music is uplifting, then people will buy it, and the composers will feel more positive when they succeed. Otherwise, we'll be stuck with the same Marsalis-type preachers forever.
BiggussDikkus 1 year ago
Right on, Branford---- this mentality extends to all facets of the American existence these days.
Why do you think our country is so fucked up? The status quo wants more, faster, now. And they want their asses wiped along with it. They have MBA's, or whatever, and fuck the hard work--- take the money, the whatever, and run. That is NOT what the sweat off of the billions of broken backs of our Fathers, Mothers and all the giants upon who's shoulders we dare to stand, should have amounted to.
holdencaustic 1 year ago
More gold there.Dick.
sonortubelug 1 year ago
I agree ONLY to the extent that the teacher (and his/her) administration) is willing to accept that status. Day 1 is when agreement is established that PERFORMANCE remains the standard; neither "effort" nor "talent" is enough. "Do or do not... there is no try" - Yoda. I had a paramedic student protest to my Dean that the 80% standard I demanded was too high. His supportive response amazed me, "You mean you can be wrong 20% of the time when you're trying to save my life??? Get outta here!!"
lilipuha 1 year ago
Man, Branford nails it! And it's not just their generation, either!
amastelle 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
he is such a inspiring player wink wink!
improvinnow 1 year ago
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improvinnow 1 year ago
no....quite a few in this generation don't think this, especially jazz musicians imo...i thought he would say the opposite, that today 10hours of practice in a 24hour period is the norm for an aspiring musician
Bosphorus92 1 year ago
so so true. Branford has nailed it.
Jaguar1M 1 year ago
I agree with this guy so much, even though its about my generation. I've worked my ass off my whole life (so far) to get what I need to get, and I don't give a shit whether people tell me I'm good at something or not. I'd rather have someone tell me I'm not good at something so I can work harder and become good at it than have someone tell me I'm good at something that I'm terrible at.
taddykife 1 year ago
anyway i agree with marsalis because sure the problem is the new generations of students.and sometimes teachers don't want to risk their job for stupids kids that don't appreciate constructive advice.
roka899 1 year ago
i personally think that the problem sometimes are the teacher, i'm italian and when in summer there are workshops(all with american musicians-teacher) you should pray them to tell you what they really think of you and your ability, they always say: it's ok!you play it right! you play good!
once i tell : so i play perfectly, tonight i will play with you in the concert ,and you'll pay me, no?
and only then i had a sincerely answer and some constructive advices.
continue...
roka899 1 year ago
Wrong is right and wrong is sill wrong! All the talking in the world will never change that! How did this whole thing flip flop? There has to be a standard or nothing means anything! Gravity still works. so spiritual laws aren't real? They obviously work as well!!!!!! To bad this world can't see that!
thelinearpractiseday 1 year ago
It's so true. It's all about money these days, how no one has any, and how everyone wants to keep what they have. Just look at those, "Funny" American Idol auditions. In actuality, there's nothing funny about it. These kids are delusional and really believe they are fantastic and don't want to hear otherwise. What a mess, what a mess...
Xillaw 1 year ago
As a teacher I agree with Branford to a point. I think that students mature in stages and eventually they get to a place where they realize that they need to hit the shed and that they don't know it all. Its a matter of maturity and this generation has the luxury of not having to mature as quickly as other generations. Plus its a generation with thin skins where everyone is a winner and you are coddled to avoid injuring a your psyche. Character isn't built that way.
jasonlloyd33 1 year ago
This should be youtube's homepage right here..... fuck it, this should be on google's homepage.
jermo6676 1 year ago 2
Welcome to Generation I, where "I" stands for "Intitlement".
Well said Mr. Marsalis.
cgrant26 1 year ago 2
@cgrant26 Entitlement. EEEEEEEntitlement.
trumpette10 1 year ago
IT AINT JUST MUSIC
Urbanmystic123 1 year ago
LOVE IT. bang on like.
monkeygames18 1 year ago
bahahaha! sweet my bass teacher showed me this and just after it one of his guitar students came in and my teacher said that he was getting a B and he was like "but i should be getting an A right?" and it proved a point haha!
bjster1 1 year ago
I can't disagree. Being in high school now, I always want to get better at what I'm doing, but my peers around me don't seem to have the same drive. Today in class, my music teacher told us to go watch this clip. Now that I've done it, I can't agree more, and I can't disagree at all. He's absolutely correct.
samsterrx3dare 1 year ago
Branford is right.
Most students can't really play, know nothing about music and don't want to know anything about music except some superficial sh*t.
And if you criticize them, they start to whine and to dislike you and to look for excuses why they couldn't practice or why the point you want to teach them isn't relevant in their view.
helge1966 1 year ago
Ha! I've said it many times before, Branford I hate it when you're right.
DonPSweeney 1 year ago
He is being totally honest.
Streamline09 1 year ago
I wish I had the money to pay Mr. Marsalis to tell me I'm full of shit.
bovines36 1 year ago 39
We need more of branford marsalis in the world.
darcontek 1 year ago
Preach it Branford.
jaydigz 1 year ago
This man is so frikin' right! Branford Miralis is a genius!
Bhup1978 1 year ago
Branford is 100% right on. Those that think he's off either
a) don't have a clue
b) don't like it because they fit into the group he's talking about
c) all of the above
This generation has a mentality that everything should be handed to them. Their thoughts are "it's all about me" and their entitlement ... even though they haven't paid their dues.
God helps us all.
drummercafe 1 year ago 54
@drummercafe I totally agree with Branford, and he also said it's the same problem that the generation before it had. Everyone wants to hear about how good they are and how right they are, and that has never changed.
acglass 1 year ago
@drummercafe
Check it out, when most of the country goes by this ideology, those of who want criticism don't receive it. So the teachers end up becoming the problem and too politically correct for their own good. I understand where Branford is coming from, but the idea that ALL players are like this, that all students need a constant reaffirmation of their playing, just sounds like a tuba in a woodwind ensemble. Maybe sax players, but us bassists want to work.
millerbrandon12 1 year ago
@drummercafe
U & he r 200% on pt except 4 1 thing, it's not just THIS current gen. Next or gen Y or even my gen. X. It;s the hippy gen, baby boomers, so forth & so on.
Most humans on earth want 2 be lied 2! Most folks can't handle the truth as Jack Nicklson said! No one wants 2 be told they suck, can't sing, dance, act, swim, run, or play well, r ugly, wrinkled, or disgusting looking. No one wants 2 be told their crazy, retarded, or dumb!
Thus da reason 4 new pol. correct words daily!
Sogwa 1 year ago
@drummercafe ....or d.) are not full of shit.
I think that there are plenty who are full of shit, but there are even more who are not. This is such a broad statement that he's making, and to attempt to make a single sentence generalization about all students is foolish.
gestrumpet 1 year ago
@gestrumpet Or maybe you might focus your ears a tad better and realize that he says "my students" their grasshopper! So I would most like think he knows the students of whom he's taught. Ciao.
outersun 1 year ago
@outersun He is using his students as a microcosm of all kids these days
gestrumpet 1 year ago
good lord, man, should we be so lucky as to have HALF the teacher/father he had, growing up...
just the name "Before the Music Dies" is pretty indicative of how this filmmaker thinks about Jazz music, or music, for that matter, in general. I mean, if we're going to say that Jazz music is going to be "dead", how come we have Erica Badu in this movie...? i mean, SHE'S taking the music new directions...
tkdmaster3bd 1 year ago