Metamatic Forums News and Announcements John Foxx news John Foxx at Leeds College of Music...

It depends on what your own personal definition of 'Jazz' is - there's many variations in the genre, from traditional to urban to acid to...well, you get the idea. Given how John seems to be able to dip in and out of most styles of music quite easily without compromising his own brand and integrity, why do you think him working on material in any of these strands would (should that be 'could') not work?

Actually, "Forgotten Years", though really a blues track, is probably the closest his music has gotten into conventional jazz. I could actually imagine a smokey, croaky, crooning vocal from John in a chilled-out jazz scenario. May be interesting but I'd still be yearning for synths!

It's all PR isn't it.

There's obviously a recognition that members of Leeds Jazz might be interested in this presentation.

Unless all the jazz geeks are planing to come out in an anti-synth protest!

'The Jazz Geeks'. The last I heard of them they'd disbanded, but if they do get together, maybe there's a chance they'll play down south again at some point in the future. They were a great band, so let's hope so.

I think you're right Martin. Some of the best things about both pieces John is playing in Leeds tonight is that, to me, they have nods towards jazz, and I don't think enthusiasts of that style of music would be dissapointed if they did attend at all. The minimalist style of the 'Quiet Man' piece allows, for me, areas and space within the music for reflection of life passing by, wheareas 'TCM' mis-mash of styles, moods and instrumentation also makes it an interesting variation on his usual works.

And as you say, it's all good PR.

I’m not a trad’ Jazz person, and agree that we shouldn't overlook the electronica/minimalist/jazz crossovers out there,
one of my favourites - Triosk: The Headlight serenade, and Moment returns, have sadly disbanded now, but they have a style I’d be happy to see John investigate with his creative mind.

One of the most endearing qualities for me, in Bowie's mid-90s albums, Black Tie White Noise - The Buddha of Suburbia - 1.Outside, is the fusion between rock, electronica and jazz, most evident on Buddha and Black Tie. I rank these among my very favourite DB albums interestingly enough.

In these albums, that fusion works brilliantly and goes to show that elements of jazz and electronica can make remarkably good bedfellows.

What - no posts about the event yet???

Who was there...

I was there Martin! I'll be back with a bit more over the weekend! Briefly: A showing of The Quiet Man (as seen before in various locations) with John playing a piano to accompany it, Tiny Coloured Movies, - which I've not seen before - with John playing a synthesiser to accompany it, and then John playing piano to accompany Karborn showing off his VJ skills to a new film. It ended with John providing some wonderful answers to the Q&A session at the end. I've got some film of John and Karborn and the Q&A session which (when I've got time!) I will post over the w/e.