J-Soft Blog

Monday, February 20, 2006

A post on Brodie's livejournal got me thinking about how incredibly pervasive portable media players have become. In his words, "the music player anti-social lifestyle".

I notice the disconnect and often wonder about it. It seems everyone but me is wearing earbuds or headphones every waking moment. I have even observed people watching portable dvd players on the subway. I don't envy them. To me it seems as if they don't want to be responsible for their own thoughts or minds. They must be forever occupied by something. They must be fed an unending stream of prefabricated experience while reality goes on around them.

While everyone around me is plugged into worlds someone else has prepared for them, I wonder why they have chosen to be immersed in those worlds so completely, and why I seem to be the only one for whom this is a question. I always conclude that I just don't get it and move on. Those times on the subway, bus, or a long walk can be very useful. I tackle problems, plan the day, reflect on the day, or practice. I am often able to focus on a mental task most effectively in those times when everyone else plugs into their portable media. I just don't get the "music player anti-social lifestyle". An ipod is great to be sure, but I could never stand to use it to the extent most people do. There's only so long I can stand to have headphones on anyway, and I absolutely detest ear buds.
posted by Jesse at 7:46 PM #


Monday, February 06, 2006

Joys and Desires

I am for no reasoned compelled once again to blog. I'll make no guarantees about the longevity of this stint - it may span only on entry. Most will already know, but for those who don't, the answer to the conundrum was U of T. Five Months have proven it to be a good choice. I am living in a small but adequate apartment within walking distance of the faculty of music(and two jazz clubs). I am practicing and playing more than I ever have, and I should be doing even more than I am -- yeah I'm working on it. The coming months should see tremendous development. Having only to worry about my core jazz courses, I can (almost) afford to put in as much practice time as my face will allow. Life is very different and very good.

The high-point, now nearing a month ago was a trip to the IAJE conference in New York. That was five days packed with more amazing music than I've heard in perhaps two years. The title for this entry is taken from one of those experiences. It is the title of piece by John Hollenbeck, performed by Jazz Big Band Graz. It was unlike anything I had ever heard and was one of many things that absolutely astounded me that week.

Shortly upon returning to toronto it was "Renee Week" at U of T. Three masterclasses with Renee Rosness, culminating with a performance of her music by the ever amazing 10 O'Clock Big Band. Finally, this Weekend found me in a single day attending a masterclass by Jerry Bergonzie at Humber, followed by a race to hamilton for another with Bob Brookmeyer at Mohawk.
posted by Jesse at 12:40 AM #