Mujitsu and Tairaku's Shakuhachi BBQ

Talk about memories. What's with this "for good or ill" stuff? True, it wasn't my favorite either when I was 6, the Beatles with their bubblegum music (let's face it, that's what it was in their early years) got me hooked. But, I've got to admit I sang along with the bouncing ball all on my own accord, and some songs like "Marching to Pretoria" for some reason are particularly memorable. It was kind of like barbershop for the masses, with an entire nation singing along in unison. At least 20 years before Pepsi started their "teach the world to sing" marketing campaign.

I'd play Tamuke for him but I haven't learned it yet. I guess I'll have to settle for singing along with him for just a little bit more: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dY9gtYeHhk

BTW, it looks like he introduced the world to some pretty respectable artistry too: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaWf51mj … re=related

Rick Riekert wrote:

radiOgnome wrote:

What's with this "for good or ill" stuff?

In his book "Jazz Singing" Will Friedwald hit the ill on the head:

Hmm... I googled the guy, he was born in '61 and the book was published in 1990 at the ripe old age of 29. I wonder if there's a possibility he has changed his opinion. It's been known to happen. 

Rick Riekert (quoting Will Friedwald) wrote:

"Miller exemplified the worst in American pop. He first aroused the ire of intelligent listeners by trying to turn — and darn near succeeding in turning — great artists like Sinatra, Clooney, and Tony Bennett into hacks. Miller chose the worst songs and put together the worst backings imaginable — not with the hit-or-miss attitude that bad musicians... traditionally used, but with insight, forethought, careful planning, and perverted brilliance."

I've got to admit he's got a point. However, Mitch Miller is by far not the only pop phenomena that wasn't accepted well by critics (of course this particular critic waited 30 years to criticize, I wonder what the critics were saying in the 50's). There are many examples of popular culture latching on to music that isn't really all that good. Just as what music you decide to put on your Ipod is what you personally need at that point in time for healing or personal growth, the music that a particular culture decides to listen to is that which will fit that culture's needs for healing and growth. Mitch Miller filled the gap that many were missing with advent of the new entertainment medium of television. Prior to television, a lot more people entertained themselves with sing-alongs and such.

I had an opportunity recently to join in on an old-fashioned campfire sing-along. By musical standards it sucked, but as far as personal fulfillment it went a whole lot farther than cranking up the latest Lady Gaga hit that any critic will tell you is awesome. It seems to me that Mitch Miller probably helped keep a nation from becoming ill.

Rick Riekert wrote:

I doubt that "Mama will Bark" healed the nation or brought anyone personal fulfillment,

Yes, maybe I did go a little overboard there.

Chris Moran wrote:

Healing a nation or bringing anyone to personal fulfillment seems like a tall order for any piece of music.

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word,...

If one word can bring forth creation, shouldn't a whole song be able to do even more?

Rick Riekert wrote:

In his book "Jazz Singing" Will Friedwald hit the ill on the head: "Miller exemplified the worst in American pop ... "

LOL! Obviously Friedwald missed the Japanese version of the show Kyoku no Mitch

Wha-a? You think I don't have Photoshop at home? You think I'm just a poor little mangy sewer rat who sleeps in a barn? Eh? .... EH?!

I have my own computer. I have a car. I even own a mattress.

HA HA. What do you think now, woo-woo-san?

My shakuhachi are all Kindo and Shigemi. I have many Jin Nyodo that I use as hat racks.  I have a few old Shiro used by Goro in his recordings. They are my toothpicks. Crooked though.

Ha! NOW whattdoyouthink Mr. Mu-mu????

radi0gnome wrote:

Chris Moran wrote:

I have a few old Shiro used by Goro in his recordings. They are my toothpicks. Crooked though.

Can I have one, I'll pay postage.

They don't have hanko. Somebody once said, somewhere, some time ago that Shiro made them so now they are worth $40,000 each.

I still use as toothpicks though. I have very expensive teeth.

Holy Shikuhachi!!!   Lookit the gompers on that guy!   If I had two front teeth like Mitch I could focus a double airstream simultaneously at my utaguchi and not only play the fourth octave but also perform a double humpback camel tamane on Shika No Tone!!!!!!      This is thee most seamless and believable Photoshop job you have ever done on his teeth,  X-Mo.   Outstanding, Young Sir!!!!

Just to fill in a couple of details, he started out as a oboist for the NBC orchestra and after his successful T.V. show he did a stint in the joint for income tax evasion. Let's see- Oboe, schlock and prison- a truly unique combo.

mrwuwu wrote:

and hopeful prayer that he doesn't drop his soap on the floor and be made to sing  " Mama Will Bark" .

Well that takes me to " Sing Along with Bitch."

radi0gnome wrote:

Chris Moran wrote:

I have many Jin Nyodo that I use as hat racks.  I have a few old Shiro used by Goro in his recordings. They are my toothpicks. Crooked though.

Can I have one, I'll pay postage.

You know the Shiro shakuhachi that Goro used, named "ten raku"?

I have eleven raku.

mrwuwu wrote:

Geez, you can count to eleven, eh?

Why, yes,

                      ... I can.