[Dixielandjazz] Living in Denial about jazz

[Marvin Ipswich]

Steve Barbone wrote:

>"Living in denial" as I thought I used it, about Coltrane or Ornette
>Coleman does not equate to not liking them.  Obviously ones likes and
>dislikes are personal opinions which  we all have and are entitled to
>them. Nor does it mean a denial of their very existence.

>What I meant by "living in denial" about them was the oft quoted
>rantings of jazz "fans" who insist that what they play is "not jazz".
>Those fans are living in denial about "jazz". Simple as that.

Steve,
As I see it, whether a person likes Coltrane, or denies Coltrane plays jazz,
makes absolutely no difference. It's their choice. I just don't see what the
sense of your point is, unless it is an attempt to make DJML readers feel in
some way guilty that they don't embrace what you refer to as "modern jazz."

I certainly acknowledge the fact that Coltrane comes out of the jazz
tradition, was employed by jazz musicians, and his music is referred to as
jazz. It's very, very unlikely that his position in jazz history is going to
be seriously affected by anyone who denies his existence. I'm sure there are
plenty of people who might, in a similar manner, deny that Jelly Roll Morton
played jazz. So what? Doesn't effect my enjoyment of his music. I certainly
don't feel compelled to stand up in righteous indignation and shout to the
world that his music is jazz.


Regards,
Marvin