Ovation

[Couch Potato]

After reading this on my TV screen I decided to start keep a thread of amusing descriptions from this wonderful TV station and maybe other sources. No disrespect intended but I reckon this is funny.

"Pharoah Sanders
This program explores the possibilities of the saxophone. The program includes moments of sounds exploding with intensity plus pieces full of silent excitement."

[Tim S]

You're right Couch, it's funny.

[isaacs]

Some of the funniest descriptions of jazz originate from those with English as their second language and Japanese as their first. The combination of the mystically reverent way the Japanese translates into English and the slightly mangled grammar is something unique. It seems to apply to advertising and promotion particularly, which The Simpsons satirised in the classic "Mr Sparkle" episode.

Here are two examples very close to home, since they are about Australian artists. This is how the Japanese jazz label DIW describes Sean Wayland's CD "Colossus of Rhodes" on their website:

Your heart will be invaded by his original songs with his own harmonic feelings and Bye Bye Blackbird uniquely interpreted by him. Hancock-ish pianism explodes on 1 and 7, we peep his unique phrasing of 3, shady beautiful 4 and 6 represent Sean's musical mind, and hopelessly bright tune 9 reminds us of Australian beach. The more you listen to this album, the more you stick to it! The cover photo is taken by Shoji Ohnuma. The photo of ruins by the bright 2-tone of green and blue attract the attention when displayed.

This is word for word. If you don't believe me have a look at www.diskunion.co.jp/diw/catalogue_e/DIW-626.html

And - even better - this one about Mike Nock's "Changing Seasons":

It starts from the strong low tone of piano and ends in the title song that deeply impressed on us in spite of spontaneous music... Jazz lovers must be moved so much and say "This is the very masterfully controlled piano play!". These three players perform perfectly in tune with each other. Gone through the various musical transcending, here comes Mike Nock who is really enjoying this piano trio format at his best!

Check that at www.diskunion.co.jp/diw/catalogue_e/DIW-628.html

[Kenny]

Japan and jazz - that's a trip. Actually, they're solidly hooked into American music all over - I believe that Bill Monroe albums have even made the Top 40 there!

Bassist Cecil McBee has been fighting a long-running battle of a legal nature with a chain of Japanese boutiques/T-short stores called ... Cecil McBee

[VHB]

Love these - please keep it up. Very, very funny. Best laugh of the day.

[Couch the Potato]

Yep love those Japanese translations.

Lip my stockings baby!

[happy]

Hey, I'm a big pharoah fan and I think that's one of the most apt and poetic descriptions of his music I've ever heard - it's funny beacuse it's true!