Re: Andy Summers concert

["Michael P. Hughes, Ph.D." <pycraft@elec.gla.ac.uk>]

>Particularly when he veers into a more jazz direction (such as playing 
>std's:
>"Straight No Chaser"; "Footprints"; "Lonely Woman") it's painful for me to
>hear - and I *am* a jazz fan. 

I fear As may be trying to live up to his reputation - and failing....  he
is certainly an oft-quoted influence, and maybe he figured "If I'm that
good, maybe I should be showing it off more."  Alas, it's the simple stuff
he always impressed with...

>As for Andy's jazz leanings being a result of practicing, I
>don't get the impression AS practices a whole lot. In fact, my impression 
>is
>that he never practices, but just coasts on what he learned (many) years 
>ago,
>which includes some jazz (resort hotel orchestra gig; Soft Machine).

Ah, a man after my own heart!  :)  (ie bone idle....)

>I couldn't see where his technique had improved even a little bit from the
>Police days. 

I think his playing sounds like he's more confident now than he used to be.
 I always liked (as I said) the way he sounded as if the light was on him
and he's had a panic attack, sending his timing to pieces (eg Dreaming on
XYZ).  Ditto early Steve Howe.

>with The Cops, his technical skills aren't impressive enough to hold my
>interest, 

Mi-OW!

> And I'm not saying that 'cos I'm a Klein person - I have a particular
fondness >for 335's as well. 

Not _another_ Klein player!!  Where did all these wealthy guitarists come
from???

Michael