Musical Geniuses ?

anticipation · 03-10-2011, 09:37 AM

Otis Jackson Jr. (far) and James Dewitt Yancey.

Say what you like about my bias towards both these producers, but once objectively analyzed their catalogues are easily enough to qualify them for musical virtuosity. Dilla had perfect pitch, and a sense of rhythm that could surpass the most sophisticated sequencing programs, and his engineers and close friends can attest to the fact that he crafted most of his beats in 15 minutes or less.

Madlib is an entirely different beast altogether; he was self-taught in over 20 musical instruments and proficient enough in their execution that he was able to record a staggeringly large discography of jazz albums, many of which have become heralded as contemporary classics already.

music_phantom13 · 03-10-2011, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clutnuckle

Virtuoso: a person who excels in musical technique or execution.

Musical technique was never Eno's route. He was textural. His music was never about playing quickly in order to get his point across; it revolved around (at least in his ambient/ambient pop phase) bringing vivid mental images out of the simplest things.

So basically, he was answering the original question in that Brian Eno is a musical genius and trying to argue differently lol.

And second on Madlib. In addition to his being able to play more instruments than most bands, he's a monster with samples and the turntable... Shades of Blue and Blunted in the Bombshelter are two of my favorite albums. And he's covered such a wide variety of music, and excels in all of it.

Phzed · 03-12-2011, 08:16 AM

Definitely agree with J Dilla, but I've never thought much of Madlib.

Ska Lagos Jew Sun Ra · 03-13-2011, 09:08 PM

John Zorn - arguably the most eclectic composer of all time.

starrynight · 03-14-2011, 11:20 AM

I've liked the Morricone album he did, but for some reason it isn't well known. Everyone seems to jump on the Naked City bandwagon but I didn't like that much. I wonder if some people (not all) only hear that one as it seems to be the most famous.

Ska Lagos Jew Sun Ra · 03-14-2011, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by starrynight

I've liked the Morricone album he did, but for some reason it isn't well known and everyone seems to jump on the Naked City bandwagon but I didn't like that much.

Naked City is not a bandwagon. Whether you like it or not, Naked City is an amazing showcase of musical eclecticism, and skill. Zorn opened worlds of doors to people who wanted to experiment with jazz/metal fusion with it.

Besides, that's just scratching the surface of what Zorn has done.

starrynight · 03-14-2011, 11:26 AM

So you like it for it's influence partly, that can't change my opinion. And as I said on my edit I wonder if some people have heard much beyond Naked City, as that is the famous one that gets listed alot.

Ska Lagos Jew Sun Ra · 03-14-2011, 11:28 AM

I like it because I personally find "Radio", "Torture Garden", and "Naked City" ingeniously crafted, brilliantly performed works of avant-jazz fusionrock. Doesn't stop Naked City's influence from being undeniable.

Besides, if you want to look into Zorn more:

http://www.musicbanter.com/album-rev...rn-albums.html

The man has pretty much covered every style of music, and every method of composition known to man. Has worked on literally thousands of songs, and over 400 albums(albeit his catalog itself as composer is more 80-100 albums).

starrynight · 03-14-2011, 11:30 AM

I don't mind if you like it. Just wonder why that album gets all the fame and none of his others seem to get listed much when I see album lists.

TockTockTock · 03-14-2011, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by starrynight

I don't mind if you like it. Just wonder why that album gets all the fame and none of his others seem to get listed much when I see album lists.

I see The Big Gundown constantly praised all the time, and that's coming from someone who isn't a Zorn fanatic.

03-12-2011, 08:16 AM	#43 (permalink)
Phzed Music Addict Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Manchester Posts: 121	Definitely agree with J Dilla, but I've never thought much of Madlib. __________________ last.fm & rateyourmusic

03-10-2011, 09:37 AM	#41 (permalink)
anticipation Music Addict Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 3,565	Otis Jackson Jr. (far) and James Dewitt Yancey. Say what you like about my bias towards both these producers, but once objectively analyzed their catalogues are easily enough to qualify them for musical virtuosity. Dilla had perfect pitch, and a sense of rhythm that could surpass the most sophisticated sequencing programs, and his engineers and close friends can attest to the fact that he crafted most of his beats in 15 minutes or less. Madlib is an entirely different beast altogether; he was self-taught in over 20 musical instruments and proficient enough in their execution that he was able to record a staggeringly large discography of jazz albums, many of which have become heralded as contemporary classics already.

03-14-2011, 11:20 AM	#45 (permalink)
starrynight Music Addict Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 937	I've liked the Morricone album he did, but for some reason it isn't well known. Everyone seems to jump on the Naked City bandwagon but I didn't like that much. I wonder if some people (not all) only hear that one as it seems to be the most famous.

03-14-2011, 11:26 AM	#47 (permalink)
starrynight Music Addict Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 937	So you like it for it's influence partly, that can't change my opinion. And as I said on my edit I wonder if some people have heard much beyond Naked City, as that is the famous one that gets listed alot.

03-14-2011, 11:30 AM	#49 (permalink)
starrynight Music Addict Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 937	I don't mind if you like it. Just wonder why that album gets all the fame and none of his others seem to get listed much when I see album lists.