on 10/19/03 12:45 PM, Dan Frank Kuehn at smokey@maui.net wrote:

But seriously, ain't it true that often the MOST uninhibited, original and personal musical expression comes from spontaneous moments when the recorder happened to be on, or early rehearsals, or, at live performances, soundchecks? The "official" recording or live performance may be technically perfect, but a group of great artists making the warts-and-all headlong plunge into the unknown when "no one's looking" is GOLD.

Mixed metaphor, anyone?

Speaking as someone who has all of the above to deal with, the studio is the best in terms of the dependability of the enviroment -- ie you can hear the other instruments really well, better sightlines to the other players (which does a lot to enable better non-verbal communication). If everybody's in the right mood, the best and most personal musical expression is very possible, moreso than in any other medium. Also, the lack of an audience means you have to play what you really feel is appropriate to the music, and not just the licks that will make the crowd respond. You're really going head-to-head with the music and not show business. I know -- I sound like Glenn Gould, but it's a very strong point. But live/rehearsal/soundchecks has its merits as well. You don't care as much because it's just the moment, and you're less cautious in your performance as a rule. Which can often be as bad as it is great, depending on the artist. skip h