When I was a young man, it was the club owners who relied on a live music policy to entice the public to come in and spend their money on booze. Now it is the musicians who are expected to do so. And if they’re not successful they aren’t asked back. Nevertheless, there is real competition to get into these venues.
Yes, I agree. It’s like a restaurant bringing in a chef and saying, “Great, now cook the food — and while you’re at it, make sure the place is packed.” It's a wacky business that we're in.
Thanks, Lawrence. The fan of 2026 is not the same as the fan of 1996. Knowing that helps me keep things in their proper perspective. I always enjoy hearing others’ thoughts on this.
Thank you! It's really great to hear your breakdown of the new jazz reality. So much has changed, so quickly, that vestiges of the old order are still hanging around uselessly, the adenoids of an old jazz world...it's easy to confuse them with something important.
This piece actually grew out of a conversation with my wife. She was pointing out how many views I get on Instagram. And I said, “Yeah, it’s great, but almost none of those people show up to the gigs.”
Thinking through those three levels of engagement helped me see what not to overvalue, and, more importantly, what not to ignore.
I appreciate you weighing in. I always value your perspective.
When I was a young man, it was the club owners who relied on a live music policy to entice the public to come in and spend their money on booze. Now it is the musicians who are expected to do so. And if they’re not successful they aren’t asked back. Nevertheless, there is real competition to get into these venues.
Yes, I agree. It’s like a restaurant bringing in a chef and saying, “Great, now cook the food — and while you’re at it, make sure the place is packed.” It's a wacky business that we're in.
A really thoughtful and deep article Sam....lots here to ponder !!!
Thanks, Lawrence. The fan of 2026 is not the same as the fan of 1996. Knowing that helps me keep things in their proper perspective. I always enjoy hearing others’ thoughts on this.
Thank you! It's really great to hear your breakdown of the new jazz reality. So much has changed, so quickly, that vestiges of the old order are still hanging around uselessly, the adenoids of an old jazz world...it's easy to confuse them with something important.
Thanks, Peter.
This piece actually grew out of a conversation with my wife. She was pointing out how many views I get on Instagram. And I said, “Yeah, it’s great, but almost none of those people show up to the gigs.”
Thinking through those three levels of engagement helped me see what not to overvalue, and, more importantly, what not to ignore.
I appreciate you weighing in. I always value your perspective.