Jazz-Kritik
Story oder Analyse?
At the outset, the author deals with H. H. Kumpf's claim in Jazz Research 10/1979, pages 31ff, that a Jazz critic should always be a Jazz musician as well. He softens this initial approach by proposing that a Jazz critic should have fundamental knowledge of music theory and practice. Later on, he provides some well intended advice based on his own experience as a Jazz critic: to deal solely with what one has heard at a specific performance; to utilize language in a clear and readable style, to write more for an uninitiated public rather than for insiders; to label inferior work as being inferior, and not covering up poor performance, to refrain from using bombastic constructions in writing; and to dare to acridly criticize when the occasion seems justified. Jazz is a very lively music, and works about Jazz should be as interesting as the music. One should always consider whether a serious analysis is warranted, or whether a story better serves the purpose.