On Music and other things of interst to me

For a long time now, Jazz has been my favorite kind of music, followed closely by the Blues. Then again, they could be tied. But what does it matter, for me they out distance every other kind of music. This doesn't mean I only like those two, but I am more familiar with Jazz and Blues musicians. I think this goes a long way in my preferences. Besides, the two represent very good music, and have interesting histories.

I don't have any formal musical training, have never taken courses in music appreciation, but I have listened to enough of it over the years that I feel I can discuss it with a good amount of knowledge. So, I thought I would. Included will be lists of musicians in various musical categories that I particularly like. Of course such lists are subjective, but that's the fun of making them, on't you think?

Rock music has its definity appeal for me. It's my opinion that rock is more about the music than about the lyrics. Even so, there are some songs where the writing shines through. Macarthur Park (or is it McArthur Park?) is defintely one of these. So is American Pie. In both cases, the originals are preferred. And then there's tthe Eagle's Hotel California. I'm still debating exactly what the song means, a thing I think is a real pleasure. The combination of guitar, drum and keyboard -- this is what I like most in rock music.

Okay, I feel a list coming on now. Isn't that wonderful?

For guitarists, you have Hendrix, Clapton, Page, Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits, and a number of others, but for me it's Carlos Santana all the way. With songs like Jingo, Black Magic Woman, Europa, and Samba Pa Ti, his guitar sings like no other. So Carlos is my choice for guitarist, even though the talent, and the innovation, of Jimi Hendrix cannot be denied. The choice is less clear to me with every other instument in rock music, and it is interesting why that is. Mabe Carlos is enough of a musician that no one else comes close. So, I will shift gears, as the saying goes, and go back to Jazz, where the selections get much easier.

My comments on . . .

the other things of interest to me can cover wide ares. For instance, I have something to say on short stories I've read and enjoy. Here is what I have to say on --

The Middle Toe Of The Right Foot, Ambrose Bierce

One thing that appeals to me about Bierce's story, The Middle Toe of the Right Foot, is that it's written is first person. Another is the atmosphere he creates, heped along by strong attention to detail.

The Manton house is said to be haunted. Unlived in for some time, Mr. Manton, for reasons unknown, has cut the throats of his wife and two children, an act that's made important at the story's conclusion.

The first section of the story tells of a trip to the Manton house by four men in order to fight a duel. Section two speaks of the circumstances that led up to the duel, one of the men telling that he broke off a relationship because of the woman's amputation -- the middle toe of her right foot. She ends up marrying a Mr. Manton, who ends up cutting the troats of her and their children. Was it because of her amputation, a "deformity" he couldn't tolerate? The answer is not given, but I find it's an interesting speculation. The third section again takes place at the Manton house, where a figure is seen crouched in a corner, discovered to be dead. He is recognized as Mr. Manton. Not far from him are observed three sets of footprints -- of a woman, and two small children.