[Dixielandjazz] Jazz Reviews

[Dan Augustine]

DJMLers--
     OK, i know i shouldn't be doing this, after a bit of malted 
beverages, but it occurred to me that we do have among us some folks 
who have written reviews of concerts or recordings.
     As one who has written a few of these (for http://www.atjs.org/), 
i am always interested in what the reviewer is trying to address.  I 
mean, do you really write what you think about the performance, or do 
you tailor it to the situation (website, liner notes, printed review, 
whatever).  I am a fan of Virgil Thomson's reviews (as well as his 
music), which not only displayed sensibilities of the the grateful 
use of language, but usually acknowledged the level of the performing 
group and what one might artistically expect from such an 
organization.
     Mr. Calder, Mr. Haesler, and many others, what do you think? 
What do you aim for?  What is your audience (as you perceive it)? 
How much do you feel you should tone down your pronouncements?
     Nobody loves critics, unless they praise us.

     Dan
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**  Dan Augustine  --  Austin, Texas  --  ds.augustine at mail.utexas.edu
**      "Reality is an illusion brought on by the lack of alcohol."
**                    -- Anonymous
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