Yes, there's the new music model, (see previous post) - streaming music to your phone, which is better than stealing, but, to be honest, I'm still very much stuck on the old music model.
This weekend it went like this: see a band playing live at a street fair, get totally knocked out by their live performance, dip into wallet, pull out some cold hard cash, and buy one of their CDs, and band t-shirts!
There was something viscerally, physically exquisite about the whole transaction. And giving real $ to musicians, and telling them how much their music inspired, and explaining how their energy, enthusiasm and musical talent totally impressed - well it's just the best overall kind of human interaction you could possibly experience. Really!
And who was the band that did all this impressing? Jefferson Street Parade Band. How would I describe them? A funky, soulful, jazzy, marching band. A rag-tag band of serious musicians, with major jazz chops, and a funky, loose, party, street vibe. They were all dressed in glad-rags - vests and funny hats. Yes, they are a marching band - they look like hip rejects from a more traditional, half-time type band - this version consisted of three drummers with those little cocktail kits that they wear and can walk around with, and a three piece horn section - baritone sax, tenor sax and trumpet, a kickass guitar player and a funky, soulful, stunningly cool bass player.
Their set? Total, maximum, pulse-pounding energy. They played party-time jams, Balkan gypsy stuff, Ghanian soul music, Thelonius Monk jazz, all layered with cross-rhythms and a loose, good-time vibe.
So impressive. And fun. And most excellent. We bought their latest CD "Consultation with Tubby" and the record is well recorded, and does a decent job of catching their unique magic. Still, I highly recommend finding these guys and seeing a live show.
They are from that musical mecca Bloomington, Indiana and are in the midst of a little midwest tour. Worth seeking out. And while you are at it, buy a CD and t-shirt. It will make you feel extremely invested! And your being will be flooded with happiness and good feeling. I promise!