Art Tatum
What does “influence” mean in a musical context?
When you use the word “influence” in describing the effect that one musician has had on another, what do you mean by it? For example, do you believe that Louis Armstrong influenced, say, Billie Holiday or that Art Tatum influenced Herbie Hancock? Please illustrate your answer with examples of musicians who had an influence on other performers or, more difficult and more importantly, who did not, and why.
Best answer will be the most persuasive argument and not necessarily the answer I most agree with.
I would say that “influence” pertains to admiration of the technique, and/or style of a known musician. The result is that the influenced musician plays in the same “lineage” of the evolution of that technique/style. I think that its worth mentioning that any one who is influenced by another artist is also inspired by them, naturally.
Examples:
*Louis influenced Roy Eldridge, inspired Dizzy.
*Duke Ellington/Billy Strayhorn’s compositions influenced Charles Mingus compositions, influenced James Newton’s compositions.
*Django Reinhardt influenced Charlie Byrd.
*Coltrane influenced Pharaoh Sanders (and lots of others).
*Record companies are easily influenced by the success of a movement in jazz. After the Charlie Parker with Strings album everybody was doing string albums. The same is true with The bossa nova movement. After the Getz/Gilberto album, there were many others similar in technique and style.
“Inspiration” is less about technique/style and more about understanding the accomplishment of something great as something great. Its the appreciation of something being done really well, and wanting to be that good. The inspiration can even be from a completely different medium.
Examples:
*Billie’s completely unique voice making her a legend can inspire any person to believe in their own uniqueness.
*The music on Ornette’s Free Jazz and the album cover by Pollock seem to inspire each other.
*Hearing a survival story can inspire a person to perceive in the own difficult times.
*Herbie Hancock’s Maiden Voyage album has the mood and flow of a sea voyage (largely because of Tony Williams drumming).
*I recently attended a show in which the musician, John Ellis, interpreted the strange scenarios of peoples dreams.
*The boxer Jack Johnson’s life inspired Mile’s Davis to name an album after him.
*Rahsaan Roland Kirk (and other sax players of the 1960′s) were screeching their horns and using their horns in way in which it was not meant to be played inspired Jimi Hendrix to use feedback as part of his sound. (This may fall under “influence”, possibly).
In general, influence pertains to form, inspiration pertains to spirit.
Art Tatum — Yesterdays
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Rose Tatum with her Friend Playing Cards, 1962 (oil on board) by Peter Samuelson – Mug – Standard Size $14.50 This mug is created using the finest dye sublimation techniques and creates a stunning dishwasher safe finish. Great as a gift, or for promotional items. Each of our mugs come individually boxed for protection in transit…. |
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Rose Tatum with her Friend Playing Cards,.. – 3×2 inch Fridge Magnet – large magnetic button – Magnet $4.99 Rectangular wrap-around refrigerator magnet and a glossy mylar cover.Large 2×3 inch rectangle fridge magnet or ‘buttons’ as they are sometimes known in the USA.Crop shown is automated for display purposes only. All magnets are hand finished and the best most appropriate crop will always be selected to best show the full image. Therefore, actual product may vary slightly from crop shown – this can … |
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Rose Tatum with her Friend Playing Cards,.. – Tea Towel 100% Cotton – Art247 – Tea Towel – 46x70cm $20.49 100% Cotton. Made in UK. Size 70cms X 46cmsThis is an automated preview only. Actual Tea Towel design may vary. All products are hand finished by our expert manufacturers and the best crop available will always be selected…. |
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Haywire $3.99 … |
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Haywire $14.99 … |
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Found: A Daughter’s Journey Home $20.99 In this powerful follow-up to her New York Times bestselling memoir, A Paper Life, Academy Award®-winning actress Tatum ONeal returns with an extraordinary chronicle of family, forgiveness, redemption, and commitmenta remarkable story told with honesty, humility, determination, and above all . . . love The golden child of a glamorous Hollywood couple, Tatum ONeal had a childhood that looked… |
