Adrien Moignard playing through an AER?

Jim Kaznosky

I think it is also about having a connection with the audience. Definitely repertoire plays a part. But in that video above, there is limited connection. Maybe it's the scene, maybe it's the players, maybe it's the audience or a combination of it. You can be the baddest cat in your scene, but if there is no showmanship, there is no show. It's more than youth too. There are folks I know who just blow and blow and blow. I understand where they are going harmonically, but it becomes just that: blowing. And it becomes self serving. This is strictly my opinion though and I'm sure there is more to it.

That all being said, I want to make it crystal clear that I can't play anywhere near this level. I play what I can. I enjoy these guys who can do what I'll never be able to do. But I'm past the point of putting on Clasico during dinner. Funny thing is my sig other often chooses Sonny Rollins and I get why.

Buco

Some of Adrien's playing definitely had the vibe of them having some fun for themselves. Gonzalo said it best during the show someplace, forgot if it was in Chicago or maybe during Midwest Django fest, something like: I know we play too many notes sometimes but it's just so damn fun...

Who said it "first half of my life I was trying to put in as many notes as possible, second half I was trying to take out as many as possible"? I noticed that with Stochelo for example. He's still virtuosic but more restrained today than 20 years ago. This is nothing special about Gypsy Jazz, virtuosity is part of every genre of music. I guess it's that fine line when it becomes self serving and when it uplifts the music.

Cool amp though, this Da Capo 75.