A Lark Ascending

Nearly all the schools in the area closed this afternoon...except the one I work in!

I seem to recall you suggesting newbies take themselves to AAJ as a starting point: Somewhere not terribly interesting is 'the place' for newbies? Anyway, I'm not thinking specifically of you but of a number of posters here who regularly feel the need to remind their fellow board members of the other boards they are disinterested by. ******* Of course you have an absolute right to say this. As I have the right to point out how precious it sounds. My problem? I just think it sad that an excellent board is blighted by this sort of self-congratulatory nonsense. As it is blighted by the way that an innocent novice to the board can be goaded by a pack of alpha males; makes an interesting contrast to the sycophancy that is unleashed whenever anyone who has written a book appears. I'm afraid what the insiders here see as the board's strengths are, to my mind, a weakness. An insularity that can lead some members to believe the myths they've created about themselves. But then I'm British. I never did Summer Camp bonding with the boys. I probably just don't understand the culture. [Apologies to the many posters here for whom these criticisms are completely inappropriate. It might also be noted that I'm making them at the board in question, not at a distance with a group of AAJ cronies] Edit: This might not quite link with your post now as you changed it between me first reading it and posting this.

I suspect some people who are very political might learn of him and be drawn to him by his ideas and then come to like the music (in the same way as Dick Gaughan or Leon Rosselson can attract politicos who then come to like the music). But Atzmon (to his great credit) tours constantly and makes a point of playing the smaller clubs in the UK. I know his politics are not welcome by some members of those clubs who have right of centre views. Personally I like the music primarily; I don't agree with everything he says politically but he does give me something to think about. All power to him. Jazz is a wide and varied music - there's room for political polemics alongside everything else. Anyway, anyone who is a mate of Robert Wyatt has to have something good about him! [Worth watching out for the Urban Jazz Ensemble on tour where he can be heard in a superb front line alongside Michael Buckley (from Ireland) and the great Peter King.]

And the reason why the world needs reminding of this every few days?

It got us today. Blizzard driving to work. Roads grind to a halt. World War III in the school quad on arrival. Then it started to melt so we wern't sent home. Further proof of the non-existence of God (unless he's an Old Testament bugger).

I'll plead guilty there too.

They're not nearly as clever or interesting as us, are they? ORGANISSIMO GROUP HUG!!!!!!!!! ********* It was out for a few hours last week having some upgrades. I'd imagine the same is true here.

Spring is here, why is your heart not dancing?...

Spring is a state of mind. To me, it is always spring! Why languish in winter when it might as well be spring? Have a daffodil.

I just thought it an opportune moment to remind everyone that it's about time they bought their Christmas Cards. Only 300 or so days...

Prokofiev! Well, I spoke too soon. It's been trying to snow here all day. Lots of air action but instant fizzle-out on hitting the floor. Must be Southern snow. Not that I'm complaining. The last place you want to be in a proper snowfall is in a building full of 2400 11-18 year olds!!!!

I've listened to this piece (different recording, on Naxos) 3-4 times this week. Highly recommended! I don't know that recording either - it was the only one I could find a decent image for on google! I have an old Boult recording (which I've just listened to myself). I especially like the bit with the penguins!

My car spent the last 9 months taking 20 minutes before it would play the CD - kept spitting it out. Once it had warmed up it was fine. For some bizarre reason it played instantly if I turned off the engine. Luckily I was ready for a car change. Damned annoying for those 9 months. I was nearly at work by the time it complied.

Music for a snowy day...

The last heavy fall of snow I recall was in late 1990 when it brought all the powerlines down in Notts - it was a Friday night/Saturday morning and Nottingham shops had to shut after vainly attempting to struggle on by candlelight and without their tills. The Irish Electricity Board was called in to give emergency help to outlying parts of the county. Since then, apart from a few brief flurries...zilch. This matters if you work in a school. Heavy snow can mean a day or two off!

Even better, this was North Wales on Wednesday morning. The view from the dining room of a Youth Hostel I was doing a risk assessment on. Now here I could live... (You might just spot the snow on the far right!!!)

This is what it's been like here for the last couple of days. I took this at a local place famous for its snowdrops! Strikes me Spring is ready to spring!

When did you take those, Tony? It's cold but bright and snowless here.

Agreed too. I think it's run its course.

Jsngry, Notice this line from my post: I don't for a minute believe you harbour any elitist intentions. My issue is with the assumptions you unwittingly make with regard to AAJ - as if it's somehow less serious, somewhere more suited to a poster on the learning slopes of jazz. Now I actually agree that AAJ is more welcoming to new posters who have little knowledge (though it can be equally as harsh to a new arrival wanting to lay down the law). But it also has discussions which are as intense as anything here - find the one on non-Western improvised music as an example. The people who run Organissimo seem to have a very open approach to who posts here. It's developed its own particular identity. It has some very knowledgeable, experienced posters here who I've learned loads from (I'm just a mere listener with no inside knowledge, no grand theories, I can't even play an instrument). But sometimes some of the regulars here can get rather self-congratulatory - 'Arn't we the best, I only post here not there because...' You don't really get that at AAJ. Part of the trick of being intelligent, beautiful or skilful is to carry it off with some humility. Suggesting 'Newbies' with limited jazz knowledge would be better off starting some place else so as not to get hurt might be meant with good intent. But it actually comes across as patronising to both the 'Newbie' and the place you are suggesting they go to. To repeat, I don't think that this was your (or Brad's) intent. But to a (relative) outsider whose main 'home' is at AAJ that is how it came across.

I'm sorry but I just find this all a bit patronising. People drift in and out of boards; they tend to stay if they find them interesting, comfortable, go elsewhere if they find them hostile, dull or unresponsive. I'd imagine new posters will be quite capable of finding their own level; if they shoot their mouth of too soon they'll get their head bitten off. That's how it happens everywhere. Take this: So if your into being cool, you need AAJ. But if you're 'serious' you want here. Choice yes...though we'll try and persuade you to choose elsewhere if you don't do it our way. There's something a bit "separate but equal" about all of this. The 'intent' may be innocent - the actual effect is to make AAJ appear like the place you get sent if you're not clever enough to cut it here. Be totally inclusive. No need to suggest there are other places where less experienced posters will be happier. People find their own level. AAJ and Organissimo are distinct, different, each with their own qualities. I once described the difference as being like a high street bar where lots of people drift in and out (AAJ); and a backstreet pub dominated by a regular clientele but still welcoming of visitors. 'Advice' like that given above gives the impression that the pub just introduced a dress code. 'No we're not telling you you have to, but..."

"Ah, Grasshopper! You must spend 7 years in the valley of the AAJ. Only then will you be ready to join the Great Minds at Organissimo." You know, I finally understand why Punk happened!

Perhaps the board could introduce a property qualification, literacy tests? Good grief!

"He's as queer as a rabbit's egg" ("queer" as in "odd") One from the North of England. Also: "Talk abaw't pot callin't kettle grimey arse." (stress the 't) A Northern variant on the pot calling the kettle black.

...I actually just put a down payment on the place! You did read the small print? 'Outside bath.'