There are a myriad of reasons that Miles Davis is the inspiration for this post. However, one trait that stands above the rest for me is that Miles was never afraid to be Miles. Now you may ask yourself(cue Talking Heads) what does this have to do with Black History Month? Everything.

No one makes history by following the status quo, no one. Miles Davis always pushed his music forward, never comfortable, always searching for innovation and above all else never listening to “critics”. When I first became aware of the music of Miles Davis I was a kid in the 80′s listening to those great records he made with Marcus Miller, which (you guessed it) are often criticized by folks who wanted Miles to continue to wear Italian suits and play “My Funny Valentine” nightly. Miles Davis always had an answer for critics and it usually began with the 6th letter of the alphabet and ended with the 21st. (more…)

In this era where there is often much debate between the use or often over use of technology in music, DOA anyone? But what are we really debating here? I often like to draw comparisons between tools and toys. When I was growing up and wanting to possess a keyboard there was really only one keyboard that I could afford to buy. Now I’m going to give brand names but let’s just say you could find this keyboard anywhere fine electronic items and watches were sold.

I was often frustrated by the lack of musicality that I perceived as shortcomings of the keyboard. But was it really the fault of the keyboard? Conversely nowadays when I program a couple of string patches to play a nice cascading line am I really an arranger of strings?

For comparison let’s look at the definition of Tool: an implement used in the practice of a vocation. Now let’s look at how a toy is defined Toy: an artifact designed to be played with. Well, I guess we’ll have to define play now. I think that definition can be summed up in one word: amusement.

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Image Source: Morwenna Lasko & Jay Pun

Before we get into the actual post I wanted to provide some background information and context about Johnny Gilmore for readers who may not be familiar with him. Here’s a link to a news article concerning his tragic passing last week.

Also you can find out more information about Johnny on his newly setup website www.johnnygilmore.com and information about donating to the family and benefit concerts on the Johnny Gilmore Memorial Page on Facebook. There was an incredible memorial concert held last evening which I had every intention on attending, my automobile had other plans. But in talking to some of the organizers and a few of the attendees I understand that it was a success and an honor benefitting such a great musician and person.

When a tragedy like this occurs it often alerts us to the precarious nature of life that is often the lot of the professional touring musician. Tragedies like these should serve as a clarion call to all of us: musicians and lover’s of music that as a society we can and should concern ourselves with the role of the “true artist” in our society and more specifically the totality of their well-being.

Now a few words about an incredible musician. Thanks to the Grown Folks family for allowing me this space to speak.

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After posting the I’m With The Band! Really? article on my Facebook profile I received some very interesting comments that I believe will further advance the discussion. So I wanted to present the comments here in hopes that they will resonate(pun intended) as much with you as they have with me.

Erica Streat-

There’s all sorts of things going on here. Firstly, I think it’s a combination of money and ego, the primary culprits in the deterioration of music. And not just mainstream music. You can barely keep a good group of musicians together on an independent level without egos flying and spats over money. Also, from a practical standpoint, it’s just easier for record companies to deal with one artist, “groom” them and throw in some musicians to back them up. Groups like P-Funk and the Grateful dead are anomalies. Most don’t enjoy that type of longevity. I think we will see the return of the band but only as an extension of the artist. Maxwell’s latest effort is proving there’s a demand for that sound and I’m hopeful that labels will take notice and put players back on records. But I think the black band, as we once knew it, is dead.

Ivan Orr-

Great insight Erica as always. Yes the ego is a huge culprit. I think you hit on a point that is at the core and it has a lot to do with how this particular audience has been socialized over the last 30yrs. A band is truly an anomaly for many of the reasons that you have outlined. But what I’m still wondering in the final analysis: Is where did that determination ultimately come from? Was it the market, the industry or the musicians themselves that forged the path of self-destruction of the band concept? Was it an intentional or unintentional collusion of all three? As you stated a lot has to do with the money…

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