Grumpy: The definition of grumpy is irritable or grouchy. An explanation of grumpy is a person who is always complaining and unhappy.
Charles Mingus: Nearly as well known as his ambitious music was Mingus’s often fearsome temperament, which earned him the nickname “The Angry Man of Jazz.
His refusal to compromise his musical integrity led to many onstage eruptions, exhortations to musicians, and dismissals. Although respected for his musical talents, Mingus was sometimes feared for his occasionally violent onstage temper, which was at times directed at members of his band and other times aimed at the audience. He was physically large, prone to obesity (especially in his later years), and was by all accounts often intimidating and frightening when expressing anger or displeasure.
When confronted with a nightclub audience talking and clinking ice in their glasses while he performed, Mingus stopped his band and loudly chastised the audience, stating: “Isaac Stern doesn’t have to put up with this crap.”
Mingus reportedly destroyed a $20,000 bass in response to audience heckling at the Five Spot in New York City.
Most of us can (I hope for the sake of jazz) can agree that Mingus was one of a kind — a musical genius who deserved respect at a performance.
At that level. Wow!
Which brings to me this.
Our Jazz Pensacola Jazz Jams and Jazz Gumbos should be treated as jazz concert performances. It not only shows respect to the musicians you have come out to support but also to the organization that we are trying to grow.
Are they social events? Sure. But they are still performances. Please show respect.
At the venues we hold our events, please show respect. Our Jazz Jams are held at a venue that is normally closed on Mondays. They open so we can have a venue to host our Jazz Jam. Tipping is a cool thing. The servers are there for you. Treat them with respect. Treat them as you would want to be treated.
Jazz concert etiquette: If you are considering attending a jazz concert, keep in mind these basic rules.
Even though the concert takes place in a social setting – bars, clubs, etc.- make an effort and restrain yourself from talking during performances. Turn off your phone, or at least put it on vibrate.
Let us continue to keep going forward with these steps. We need it now more than before.
- Please, Give Peace A Chance
- Still Your President
- Fred Domulot
- Taye Drums
- Dream Cymbals
- Agner Drumsticks
- AFM Local 389