I enjoyed Howard Reich’s perspective on the skill it takes to truly critique a jazz musician. In the days that followed, I was not surprised that he received letters from readers who didn’t care for his opinion about the latest big thing, Diana Krall. These readers miss Reich’s point: that many jazz critics don’t know enough about the art form, much less how to distinguish between a great talent (Von Freeman) and someone who is merely accessible (Diana Krall). Critics have tremendous influence on what level of talent a city can nurture, and Reich’s point was that many critics don’t have the listening skill to help elevate the art form.
That sentiment is certainly shared by many jazz musicians in Chicago. What some critics call “Great Jazz” is usually entry-level music or a rock-hybrid. It diminishes the great talents and rewards musicians who haven’t quite mastered the art.
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