Free Jazz Explained by Ukeridge

Mystrees de-mystreefied!

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Cecil
• Taylor
• Free
• Jazz
• Tv
• 80`s
• piano
• solo
• Ukulele
• instruction
• improvisation
• charles
• gayle
• john
• zorn

[elguitaro]

While I can understand and appreciate the humor behind this, I can't help but find it a little bit offensive as well. You clearly are a talented and knowledgeable musician -- as shown both in your videos and decidedly well-thought out replies to posts -- but why do you feel the need to belittle, even in jest, another musical genre and the efforts of musicians such as Ornette Coleman, John Coltrane and others? Music is a community, and videos such as these are damaging to that spirit.

[Ukeridge]

Elguit, as I'm sure you know, just because a musician knows his instrument, doesn't mean he doesn't sometimes pretend to play his instrument. I'm just trying to help those interested in playing or listening to this particular style of music to discern the real thing from the pretend. If someone says "Hey! Were playing free jazz, hit it!" do you just want to play a buncha gobbledygook or do you want to have some skills? There's plenty more to say, but I only got 12 more characters! We need more!

[shas1814]

Mr. Ukeridge, I hit my pinkie (finger) with a hammer the other day whilst repairing my ukulele with a 10-penny nail (which actually cost me 34 cents, where do they come up with these names?). My pinkie (still referrin' to my finger) isn't as round as it used to be. So what I was wonderin' is, does that count as a flatted fifth? Or do I have to practice plucking on the strings, still? Thanks for your free lessons, I think they are worth every penny I paid for them. And here are 5 stars for you.

[Ukeridge]

I think that's some kinda John Cage flatted fifth. But whatever it is, it counts! I would say, howsoever, that if you did manage to plunk some note or another you'd have a flatted fifth of a flatted fifth---a veritabel tritone! That's something not all of us can achieve.

Good to see that, meanwhile, you've learned the hammer-on as well. And if things get too green with pinkie you might manage a pull-off too!

[jimbra07]

I just don't get it. You've been called "Ymgwe Malmsteen on four pieces of fishing line," yet you persist in selling yourself and our wonderful instrument with this schtick of yours. Why not get a sexier hat, put on some shades, and call yourself Esteban (see YouTube)? Also, I think I recognize a familiar jacket and sweater littering the floor of your cabin.

[Ukeridge]

Jimbra, where I come from we've got a phrase that goes something like this: "Don't get above your raisin'." Now Malmsteen may have come inta this world in a floor length leather garment and Esteban's dear old mama may have placed the shades on his head and sent him off to school, but not me, Jimbra, not me. I was born with a hat on my head and a uke in my hand and I don't expect to pretend I'm anything but a hat wearing, uke plucking man anytime soon.

[lessthanfirst]

Hilarious! "You got to play a flatted fifth. Doesn't matter which one, any note is a flatted fifth of some note."

[aleisef]

idiot!

[modestvermin995]

...what?

[sonortubelug]

@modestvermin995 In fact name me three free albums that you've ever heard and tell me why you like/dislike so I know you haven't just googled it. The internet spauns the dawn of the uneducated opinion doesn't it. I should be getting on with my life rather than arguing with some nonce. In a way I'm more of a tosser than you.

[sonortubelug]

@modestvermin995 Free music requires as much techincal ability than any other kind of music you ignorant prick. Go buy some albums or do you want me to baby sit you a list.

[modestvermin995]

@sonortubelug Free styles of music do not require knowledge of musical theory or serious technical prowess... they require the ability to communicate with other musicians and to totally let go of inhibitions... sure it helps to have chops, but it is waaaaaay more important to have the proper mindset and attitude and to realize that though what you're playing may just be harmonic and melodic "gobbledygook", if it is done with the right intentions it is just as legitimate as any other style.

[sonortubelug]

Ha!! Brilliant. You're awesome.HA!!! no wait...I'm breaking out of the mindset, no you're a cunt.

[sonortubelug]

@modestvermin995 what?

[modestvermin995]

There's no skill involved in playing free jazz... that is the most beautiful thing about it.

[MarsMar23]

vvv

[MarsMar23]

I really appreciated your sense of humor...but you don't really know what free jazz mean and what it is...do ever heard about andrew hill, eric dolphy, ken vandermark, cecil taylor, anthony braxton...listen to it...and then think about what you did...for me it don't have any sense...i'm also a musician...the question is...if you don't like...don't talk about it...and please don't talk about the clichê of the flat fifht...stay well.