Bill Kirchner took time out of his busy schedule to send a response to a review.
Thanks for commenting on jazz audiences’ “self-conscious rote clapping” after every solo. This to me is the most mindless of all jazz customs. (Where did this idiocy come from–does anyone know?) It usually prevents audiences from hearing the beginning of each solo–and hearing the opening phrases is often the key to understanding an improviser’s intent.
I once read a “jazz for kids” booklet that told them to clap for each solo, lest the performers be insulted. God help us!