RE: Meaning of "Klezmer"

[Dick Rosenberg <drosenberg...>]

I am stepping forward as the "insidious categorizer". I came up with
those categories several months ago.

I agree with Lori. I did not present that list of categories to
stigmatize or pigeonhole but to provide a useful framework within which
to talk about some of the directions that the music we all love is
taking. (FWIW I think the music of the KCB is great and also find it
tremendously entertaining. Some of my fondest memores are "Dancing In
the Aisles" at First Night in Boston for many years to the KCB).

Dick

>-----Original Message-----
>From:  MaxwellSt (at) aol(dot)com [SMTP:MaxwellSt (at) aol(dot)com]
>Sent:  Tuesday, January 04, 2000 12:54 AM
>To:    World music from a Jewish slant
>Subject:       Re: Meaning of "Klezmer"
>
>Matt--
>
>Respectfully, I remind you (and everyone) that I didn't make up these 
>categories!  They were suggested by a previous writer (if you know who you 
>are, identify yourself--I didn't keep hard copy of that thread). I have, 
>however, found them quite useful in helping presenters to define what it is 
>that they are looking for.  The nice thing about this division 
>(Preservationist/Folklore/Heritage, Contemporary, and Entertainment) is that 
>it stigmatizes no one and a presenter can easily respond "I think our 
>audiences would prefer to listen to a more contemporary sound," or "they are 
>real folkies and want it authentic as possible," or "they want to hear 
>Yiddishe Mama and Bei Mir Bistu Sheyn."  Of course, for people at the level 
>of sophistication of this mailing list it's hardly the final word.  But it 
>wasn't intended to simplify or end the discussion.
>
>Also, I think that the categories suggest another thought (the one with which
>the last thread from which it derived concerned itself):  Namely, does the 
>performance group try to meet the expectations of the general audience (the 
>one that wants to hear the old songs), or do they find that to be an obstacle
>to their creativity?  Hankus' great talent, in my opinion, has been in being 
>able to entertain an audience (there's that pesky word again) without 
>sacrificing any of his artistry.  
>
>Look, even Coltrane was entertaining to the jazz aficionados of his day, but 
>if you tried to book him as "an entertaining jazz musician" you would not be 
>representing him to the general public in a way that would fulfill their 
>expectations.  
>
>Lori in Chicago
>Genug shoyn, I'm going back to work....
>

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