Scott Henderson Discussion

[Sandro]

Hi Scott, I run into this article toady and I am curious to hear your personal opinion about it.

Here is the link to the article:

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/with-crowds-low-and-the-average-fan-age-high-we-ask-is-jazz-a-dyingart-form-8929400.html

Thanks,
Sandro

[Scott Henderson]

I didn't think much of his opinions. He's saying the unpopularity of jazz is a new thing? Jazz has been unpopular, under-advertized, and unrecognized by the media for as long as I can remember. I could say the same for blues.

That being said, just because jazz is unpopular with the masses doesn't mean it's dying. It's alive and well as long as we have great musicians playing it, which we do.

In this economy, the entertainment industry isn't doing great in general. A half full house at Ronnie Scott's isn't a valid indication of anything. I just played there and it was sold out for two nights. I just played at a jazz festival in Bratislav, Slovakia, and thousands of people came out to see Chris Potter, HBC, and other jazz musicians from all over the world. The audience was totally enthusiastic and seemed really grateful for the music.

Phil Johnson should go out on tour with Chris Potter - I think he'd change his story.

[ethel the cat]

Jazz isn't dying it just smells funny .