Dancehall Documentary: Documenting Jamaican Music History As It Happens

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WHEN YOU SEE SOME CHICKEN HEADS… CLUCK CLUCK ON COCK!

Hey what’s the difference between LISA Swipe and a rooster… roosters say cockle-doodle-doo… Lisa says… Any-Cock-will-do…

Making Career Moves to Get Ahead…

I thought Lisa knew that sucky sucky was a no brainer…

Freaky Gyal the teacher NUH BADDA waan fi see, it backfire and a cause contraverseeeeee…!

Can the average music listener recognize quality? Can they distinguish a virtuoso from a mediocre musician? Can they recognize a “hit” that will still be esteemed a masterpiece in a hundred years? Does “popular” mean the same as “quality”?

I’ve just starting watching that great Massachusetts law drama “The Practice” again. In a recent episode, a film critic defended his occupation: “The public don’t know whether they like a movie or not unless we tell them!” Is the same true for music?

A couple of years ago The Washington Post held an experiment to find out. They called their experiment “Pearls Before Breakfast”.

The Experiment

To find his own answer to our question, Gene Weingarten from The Washington Post approached violin virtuoso and one-time child prodigy, Joshua Bell, and asked him to don street clothes and play quality music on his 1713 Stradivarius as a busker at a Washington DC railway station during rush hour.

Here is a brief summary of the experiment. You can read the original Washington Post article here, and see Dear Teacher’s take on it (including footage of the event) in the Youtube video below.

On a cold January morning, Bell arrived at L’Enfant Plaza Station at 7:15 am, and positioned himself against a wall on a busy subway platform near a trash basket. He wore jeans, a long-sleeved t-shirt and a baseball cap. He threw a couple of dollars in his open violin case, pointed it towards the passersby, and played Bach for 43 minutes with the same 3.5 million dollar violin and passion he would play with in Symphony Hall.

Weingarten describes the thoughts and decisions that passersby would have to process:

Each passerby had a quick choice to make, one familiar to commuters in any urban area where the occasional street performer is part of the cityscape: Do you stop and listen? Do you hurry past with a blend of guilt and irritation, aware of your cupidity but annoyed by the unbidden demand on your time and your wallet? Do you throw in a buck, just to be polite? Does your decision change if he’s really bad? What if he’s really good? Do you have time for beauty? Shouldn’t you? What’s the moral mathematics of the moment?

In their planning, editors of the Post discussed the issue of crowd-control, but they needn’t have bothered. A crowd never formed. What response did Bell get?

• A $1 tip from a lady who didn’t stop to listen.
• A middle aged man slowed his pace to listen for a few seconds before hurrying again.
• One man leaned up against a wall to listen, but hurried off after looking at his watch.
• A three-year-old boy tried to stop to listen, only to be pushed along by his mother.
• A total of six people stopped briefly to listen.
• 27 people gave him money, but didn’t stop to listen.
• A worker at the station had no memory of a musician being at the station when he was asked later. He had been listening to his iPod.
• Another woman did remember the violinist, but “but nothing about him struck me as much of anything.”
• One person who stopped for a shoe shine complained that the music was too loud.
• 1,070 people passed by oblivious.
• There was no applause after any of the six pieces he played.
• He made a total of $32 plus change.

But there were a few people who appreciated the performance:

• One classical music fan and former student of the violin stopped dead in his tracks when he heard the music. He didn’t recognize Bell, but commented, “This was a superb violinist. I’ve never heard anyone of that caliber. He was technically proficient, with very good phrasing. He had a good fiddle, too, with a big, lush sound. I walked a distance away, to hear him. I didn’t want to be intrusive on his space.” He added, “Yeah, other people just were not getting it. It just wasn’t registering. That was baffling to me.” He contributed $5.
• Another woman who learned violin as a child appreciated Bell’s gifted playing, and listened during her coffee break. “I really don’t want to leave,” she commented.
• Right at the end, a woman who had seen Bell in concert three weeks earlier recognized him and positioned her just ten feet from him, where she remained planted until the end of the performance. “It was the most astonishing thing I’ve ever seen in Washington,” she said. “Joshua Bell was standing there playing at rush hour, and people were not stopping, and not even looking, and some were flipping quarters at him! Quarters!” She contributed $20.

Would you like to see Bell in action? Here is some footage, along with Dear Teacher’s take on the event.

Was the experiment fair? Let us know what you think. I don’t know if it proves anything, but I think there are some lessons in this story for we musicians and music producers.

Context

If I was rushing to work one morning, I don’t know if I would have stopped to listen to Joshua Bell. I can be pretty focused when rushing for a train. Once I was running to catch one, tripped, slid along the platform on my stomach until my face was up against the train’s window, and still managed to jump on.

It’s hard to learn anything from this experiment without taking context into consideration. If you want to run a successful concert with people stopping to listen, don’t hold it on a train platform during peak hour. In this context, the people’s lack of ability to recognize quality music isn’t the only issue. It’s unlikely they would risk their jobs to listen even if they did recognize the quality.

What we can learn from this experiment is that context is always an issue in how music is accepted. Whether we’re creating music for a concert, and advertisement, a soundtrack, or a computer game, that context will dictate the type of music that will be acceptable as much as any other factor. We need to answer the question, “Where will people hear this music?” and write accordingly.

Genre

Quality alone will not guarantee that music will be enjoyed. As with the fashion industry, taste plays a hugely important part – we all enjoy different styles and genres of music. Would the response have been different if the Post went with rock or pop music instead of classical music?

I’m sure that most musicians reading this article understand genre, and have strong opinions about what genres you enjoy. There are no right and wrong answers here: different people have different tastes. Understanding that, and creating music within a predicable set of genres – will increase your chances of success. Listeners who enjoy one of your tracks expect to enjoy others.

Even within a genre, fashions will change. The expected sound of a snare or bass line for a genre will vary over time. One thing I love about the tutorials here on Audiotuts is that many of them will help you tweak your music to achieve that sound.

Branding

People didn’t stop because they didn’t recognize Joshua Bell as a world-class musician. If signs were put up or announcements made on radio, I have no doubt there would have been a traffic-destroying crowd. If people were told he was famous, they would have been interested.

Branding – making a product, musician or band instantly recognizable – is a key element in marketing today. It also raises the question of this article: Are normal people able to recognize quality music without branding? Or, as the film critic on The Practice claimed, do people need someone to tell them what they like?

For producers of music, it is enough to recognize that branding and marketing are essential elements in becoming successful. We need to assume that quality is not enough, and make ourselves recognizable. What do you do to brand and market yourself or your music?

Popularity

Even more than needing an “expert” to tell us what we like, we need our friends to. Social proof is a powerful thing. Knackered Hack asks the question in his article The Lie Becomes the Truth: “Since I heard about social proof, and more specifically Joshua Bell’s famous busking experiment, I’ve wondered what in fact determines my own musical taste: how independent is it of others? Like anyone, I want to think I’m a free spirit.”

The music industry is driven by popularity, not quality. The popularity of an album defines the number of sales. The two concepts are not necessarily mutually exclusive, but musical quality is not the only thing that makes a song popular.

The likability or infamy of the artist, the humor or currency of the lyrics, image and advertising, and the amount of radio time a song gets can all contribute to its popularity. The traditional line of the record companies is that they deserve the lion’s share of the profit because achieving popularity without them is impossible.

What are your thoughts about popularity? Is it important? How is it achieved? And is it possible to achieve it by promoting and distributing your own music?

Famous Composers

Joshua Bell was not recognized as being a virtuoso by most people in the crowd rushing to work that morning. We have to wonder whether things would have been different if they weren’t in such a hurry.

But quite a few now-famous composers didn’t achieve the recognition they deserved in their own generations. They produced beautiful music for decades, but the music listeners of the time were oblivious to its quality. Their musical genius was ahead of their time.

If entire generations missed the quality of a musical composition even after hearing it for decades, what hope did Joshua Bell have that morning?

Musicians Appreciate Music Differently

It is telling that two of the three people who stopped to listen were musicians. In fact, they had spent years studying the violin—the same instrument being played by Bell—and were able to recognize his greatness by their own familiarity with the instrument and the music.

Musicians listen to music differently to others. For a start, we’re really interested in music—though that can be said of many non-musicians as well. We can appreciate when a singer or musician does something special, because we understand what is involved in accomplishing it. We have a greater awareness of the sounds of an instrument, the structure of a song, the subtle things that make a performance outstanding, the beauty of a melody, and the extra flavor added to a chord.

The music you create will be listened to by non-musicians. They probably won’t hear the same things in your music as you do. They won’t understand the skill and effort you have used to create it. They’ll just be aware of whether they like it or not. How should that affect our music making?

Conclusion

I’m not sure whether the “Pearls Before Breakfast” experiment was a fair test. But it’s an interesting story which we can learn from.

Is the public capable of recognizing quality music? Let’s hold our own informal poll:

• Do you believe you recognize quality when you hear it? Do you believe the rest of the world does?
• If Joshua Bell was playing at your train station, would you have stopped? Even if you couldn’t stop, would you have recognized his talent and the quality of Bach’s music?
• If you make a mistake at a gig, how big does it have to be before someone in the audience notices?
• How important is quality in order for music to become popular?
• Besides quality, what other aspects are important for someone wanting to become a successful music producer?
• What did you learn from the experiment?

Is the Public Capable of Recognizing Quality Music?
Adrian Try
Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:43:13 GMT

Ky-mani Marley will bring more than passionate music and a heartfelt message to the Reggae in the Desert festival this weekend. "I love the desert, and I shall bring the rain with me."

Ky-Mani Marley brings rain and reggae to the desert (Las Vegas Weekly)
Thu, 11 Jun 2009 23:30:17 GMT

Celebrating the Rich Cultural Heritage of the Caribbean through Music, with Third World Reggae Band from Jamaica, Calypso monarch The Mighty Sparrow from Trinidad and Tobago, Sheila Hylton (reggae from Jamaica, London and New York), Collie Buddz (reggae and dancehall from Bermuda) and the New Kingston Band appearing 7 p. m. Sunday evening at Woodminster Amphitheatre in Oakland’s Joaquin Miller ...

Arts & Entertainment: (The Berkeley Daily Planet)
Thu, 11 Jun 2009 06:55:25 GMT

*Diana King is back in the arms of a major label. She is reportedly working on an album of covers for the Japanese arm of Warner Music. 'The album is being done exclusively for the Asian market. It should be released around summer', King told this column recently.

INSIDE THE CARIBBEAN: Diana King covers; Mr. Vegas no. 1; Melanie Fiona; more.... (Eurweb)
Thu, 11 Jun 2009 07:20:06 GMT

Mavado's Mr. Brooks Debuts At #1 On Reggae Billboard.

March 16th, 2009 @ 11:00A.M.
Mavado's latest VP Records album Mr. Brooks...A Better Tomorrow zoomed to the top of Billboard's Reggae Album chart, but VP Records is probably hoping for a better week of sales that could propel the album on to other Billboard charts.
The album was released via iTunes on March 3 and released on CD a few days later but without a hit single to generate sales and excitement, the album is just treading water right now.
The top five is rounded out by Mishka, Elephant Man, UB 40 and VP's popular Reggae Gold series.
Mavado's debut album Gangster for Life: The Symphony of David Brooks, bottomed out at number six on Billboard's Reggae Album chart in 2007.
The set watered out at number 84 on Billboard's R&B Hip Hop album chart.

RealVail

Hasidic reggae performer Matisyahu will perform a free concert in ...
Vail Daily News, CO
Matisyahu, who emerged in 2001, is known for blending traditional Jewish themes with reggae, rock and hip-hop. Since his debut, Matisyahu has received good reviews from both rock and reggae outlets and was named Top Reggae Artist of 2006 by Billboard. ...
OAR (Of A Revolution) wraps up Spring Back to Vail on closing day ... RealVail
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Hasidic reggae performer Matisyahu will perform a free concert in ... - Vail Daily News
Sat, 07 Mar 2009 04:17:41 GMT

Mavado’s best when incensed or malevolent, but at S.O.B.’s on Tuesday he caught the wave of good cheer, seeming more at home in bawdy material than in his darker work.

Mr. Dark and Gloomy Catches a Bawdier Wave
By JON CARAMANICA
Thu, 05 Mar 2009 16:37:45 GMT

From popular to 'gangsta' culture
Jamaica Observer, Jamaica
by its conflicts, from becoming perverted and perverting In my observation of discussions on the "dancehall" genre of the Jamaican popular culture, Ester Tyson's "Rampin shop - musical poison" was indeed a turning point. As Clyde McKenzie observed ...

From popular to 'gangsta' culture - Jamaica Observer
Sat, 21 Feb 2009 02:29:07 GMT

Stephen Marley will headline SLO Dayz, a six-act show of veteran and up-and-coming reggae performers set for Saturday night at the Graduate in San Luis Obispo.

Arts & Entertainment Briefs (The Times Press Recorder)
Sun, 22 Feb 2009 15:21:10 GMT

Following its previous ban on vulgar and explicit dancehall songs, the Broadcasting Commission yesterday placed a further prohibition on the transmission of all soca music with content that displays, simulates or instructs sexual activities or positions.

Broadcasting Commission targets soca (Jamaica Gleaner)
Sat, 21 Feb 2009 05:05:28 GMT

A pleasant balance of Freddie's light-hearted and spiritual sides.

Mr McGregor by Freddie McGregor
Sun, 22 Feb 2009 09:21:13 GMT

SKNVibes.com

Belize Reggae Fest Kicks off with the King
SKNVibes.com, St. Kitts and Nevis
RAINE INC): Dancehall's Royal Highness Beenie Man is headed to Central America next month to inaugurate the Belize Reggae Fest series, which will be held on Saturday, March 7, at the Civic Center in Belize City. The Fest is an initiative of Triple T ...
DANCEHALL'S 'FIRST LADY' D'ANGEL TropicalFete.com
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Belize Reggae Fest Kicks off with the King - SKNVibes.com
Sat, 21 Feb 2009 16:45:04 GMT

The Ultimate Peter Tosh Experience
Pitchforkmedia.com, IL
His reggae career started alongside Bob Marley and Bunny Livingston in the Wailers, a group he left in the mid-70s after Island Records' Chris Blackwell refused to release his first solo album. No surprise, really-- compared to Marley, Tosh was nearly ...

The Ultimate Peter Tosh Experience - Pitchforkmedia.com
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Reggae Exhibition to be staged in Washington
radiojamaica.com, Jamaica
Entitled "Salute to Reggae" the event at the Jamaican Embassy is in observance of February as Reggae month. Among the features will be exhibits on reggae superstar Bob Marley, radio features including interviews with several reggae personalities, ...

Reggae Exhibition to be staged in Washington - radiojamaica.com
Mon, 23 Feb 2009 14:28:00 GMT

Could Dancehall Be The Ruination Of Reggae?
CARIBWORLDNEWS.COM, NY
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Could Dancehall Be The Ruination Of Reggae? - CARIBWORLDNEWS.COM
Fri, 20 Feb 2009 03:26:19 GMT

How has the global financial crisis affected Carnival in your country this year? Have your say.

Credit crunch Carnival?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/caribbean/
Thu, 19 Feb 2009 16:09:37 GMT

WASHINGTON, USA (JIS): Rare photographs providing a unique glimpse into the life of the late reggae king, Bob Marley, are now on display at the Govinda Gallery, in Washington, DC. The exhibition is entitled, Soul Rebel: An Intimate Portrait of Bob Marley. It comprises some 40 never-before-seen photos.

Bob Marley photographic exhibition opens in Washington
editor@caribbeannetnews.com
Wed, 18 Feb 2009 07:00:00 GMT

Telegraph.co.uk

The granddaddy of British hip hop
Telegraph.co.uk, United Kingdom
Bell, who will release his own debut album this summer on 1965 Records, produced three clattering ragga tracks infused with the futurism of steel city's musical heritage: Do Nah Bodda Mi, I'm a New Man and the frantic dancehall inspired single Buff ...

The granddaddy of British hip hop - Telegraph.co.uk
Tue, 17 Feb 2009 12:51:32 GMT

LETTER OF THE DAY - Dangers of dictating tastes for others
Jamaica Gleaner, Jamaica
Some like to watch CNN others TBN; others want to watch the dancehall channel or Playboy TV. The state should not by legislation grant TBN legal superiority over the dancehall channel or to the Daily Bread over Playboy magazine. ...

LETTER OF THE DAY - Dangers of dictating tastes for others - Jamaica Gleaner
Thu, 19 Feb 2009 05:13:28 GMT

'Ban vulgar sessions' - Church body says public transportation ...
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'Ban vulgar sessions' - Church body says public transportation ... - Jamaica Gleaner
Thu, 19 Feb 2009 05:13:29 GMT

Hour.ca

Richie Spice
Hour.ca, Canada
Roots warrior Richie Spice - born Richell Bonner in 1971 into one of Jamaica's most beloved families, whose brothers include Spanner Banner, Mikey Spice, dancehall DJ Snatcher Lion and Pliers from Chaka Demus & Pliers - has delivered arguably the best ...

Richie Spice - Hour.ca
Thu, 19 Feb 2009 07:32:52 GMT

Ziggy Marley NEW Children's Reggae Album 'Family Time' feat Jack ...
Top40-Charts.com, NY - 11 minutes ago
His sophomore solo album, 'Love Is My Religion', was released in 2006 and won the Grammy for Best Reggae Album at the 2007 ceremony. ...

Ziggy Marley NEW Children's Reggae Album 'Family Time' feat Jack ... - Top40-Charts.com
Wed, 18 Feb 2009 20:26:10 GMT

Writing credit and royalties for “No Woman, No Cry,” “Positive Vibration,” “Roots Rock Reggae” and “Crazy Baldheads,” went to Mr. Ford.

Vincent Ford Dies at 68; Inspired Classic Bob Marley Songs
By ROB KENNER
Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:01:06 GMT

For the 30th anniversary of Bob Marley’s “Exodus,” Island Records produced 4,000 U.S.B. flash drives loaded with the album and additional material.

Tiny Bit of Hardware With Marley Software
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