Tell me about the Jazz scene as I need a new challenge

[Paul_C]

what's the difference between a "standard" and a "cover"

[Bilbo]

Arguably nothing. Arguably everything.

The difference is that a standard is a tune that folk use as a vehicle to start their improvisations and it can be massively rearranged to sound nothing like 'the original' (changes of harmony, changes of rhythm, time signatures, grooves, feel etc) although calling the original 'the original' is a slight misnomer because, in 99% of cases, noone knows what the original sounded like.

Having said that, most versions of Canteloupe Island are the same, as are most versions of DOn't Get Aroudn Much Any More and Take The A Train.

A cover can be all of the above and more but is generally much more similar to the original in most senses but can be radically different e.g. Yes' version of Paul Simon's 'America'. But, in absolute terms, there is no difference other than in jazz, they tend to be called standards and in pop/rock etc, its covers. .

[lowdown]

The [original fake book] standards where usually from Hollywood & Broadway show tunes, Tin pan alley etc. Pop tunes of the time.
Or as the Americans call it - The great American song book....



Garry

[fatback]

[quote name='lowdown' timestamp='1328712210' post='1531507']
If you are used to playing venues & pubs to few or no people, Jazz will be right up your Strasse.


Unless i have been unlucky.


Garry
[/quote]

Poverty = God's punishment fro playing jazz.

[fatback]

but seriously, this is a hugely informative thread. Thanks to all.