Talent with no competition

[Greg]

I've thought about this often - all the way back from the days that I bartended at the Jazz Showcase in Chicago (when it was still at the Blackstone Hotel).

Harry Connick Jr. was playing there one night, and I remembered how he had brought Jazz music alive to a younger generation years ago. I'm not sure if it was his selection of songs, or just the way that he was able to blend into pop culture. The girls thought him handsome and talented, and before we knew it he was taking roles in motion pictures.

But he later tried to introduce Big Band, and it seemed that the younger crowds (who were just starting to get their feet wet in Jazz) lost interest.

When Diana Krall came about, there was another huge spike in sales from this same type of crowd. Diana was attractive with amazing talent at the piano and with her vocals.

Something helped them blend into the pop culture of music and with that huge new fan base, several Grammy awards followed.

I might be wrong, but it almost seemed that if you had taken away the good looks, youth and the addition of vocals in in their music, that their careers may not have had the same success. There must be several key factors in their successful careers. And if you watch many of the current successful stars, their putting out more than just good music.

Here's something to try. Take a look at this video of Jamie Cullum playing, "I get a kick out of you". (below)

His personality is existent in every way. He lives the song as he plays it and it's exciting to watch and hear.

Now listen to it with the monitor turned off. Without any visual stimulation, is it still exciting? If you can get the same rush that you probably felt watching him, then you're probably understanding the music as it's intended to be perceived.

For me, I think I appreciate the whole show. There's such a wealth of talent out there now. A talented singer, pianist or guitar player might not be enough. But the artists with some real "attitude" are surely going to do well. Whether it's exemplified in their lyrical abilities, their dance, or their instrument; it has to be evident. So show some intense emotion when you play. The crowd is sure to be pleased.


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