The Unforgettables

I remember listening to a radio talk show recently and the host was interviewing a musicologist from one of the prestigious Universities in the States. They were discussing the different styles of popular music and how each generation responded and identified with their "kind" of music.

The speakers discussed the Swing Era with the Big Bands, Jazz groups culminating with Bebop, Rock music and disco and more currently Rap music. The discussion touched on various off-shoots of the rock scene and how each generation embraced the kind of music they were hearing when they were growing up.

The musicologist pointed out that each time there was a "evolution" in styles it wasn't necessarily for the better or worse it was usually for the sake of change.   People wanted something different to listen to and experience.

He brought out some interesting points about Rock music. Acid rock is meant to be played loud. (loudly) There is no way that a rock band that is immersed in this style can play (or sing) it softly.  This probably explains why sound levels have never been regulated.  Perhaps it can't be done. It's just the nature of the product.

Each new generation seems to be somewhat oblivious as to what the previous generations have contributed.   The Beatles and their music is now a phenomena that had it's beginnings more than forty years ago.   At one time musicians considered "standards" to be music by George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin and others in that era. Now the new generation considers the Beatles music to be "standards". It's music from the past.

To make his point the guest recalled being in a bar in Florida and was enjoying along with the rest of the patrons a video of Nat King Cole and his daughter doing the award winning duet "Unforgettable."    This dual collaboration was a marvelous feat of what recording studios can do through engineering techniques.

The young girl bar tender that was serving him drinks was also enjoying this great duet.  After the tune ended she said, "I really enjoyed that song.  That old guy. He sounds pretty good. ..... He should record."

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