1468  DJ's and Preferences

Date: Wed, 2 Jul 2003 21:06:22 -0400
From: Keith Elshaw <keith@TOTANGO.NET>
Subject: DJ's and Preferences

In the "bizarre" thread, we saw again how divergent opinions can be.

Consensus that "the music is good tonight" must surely be the what a dj
seeks. In my view, that means he/she plays tango tango.

I stirred the pot a bit with the reference to that old British rock band ...
and didn't even make it clear that I have never played it - just danced to
it when another dj did. I put my vote for open-mindedness in the last few
minutes when everyone has gone home and cited that as an example of eclectic
possibilities.

One person created a fictitious account and name and wrote privately to
excoriate me about those comments. His vision was of people "clowning
around." So, I know there are others with that illusory concept.

It is perfectly alright - is it not - that others will never agree totally
with your own choices?

But the experienced dj has learned to filter his personal preferences
through the court of public opinion. He likes to lead in some ways - but
only with the tacit permission of his dancers. By watching, he knows who
doesn't want to hear Gotan Project, or whatever - and plays it when the
people who do are there. Or, leaves it alone, one hopes.

If you ever drop in on a milonga I'm doing, you will hear the best
orquestas, at their best. I've been through many phases and enthusiasms over
the years ... so you will get only the choice, but "safe" selections of a
person who hopes to satisfy. There's is so much good music that no one would
call into question to choose from.

And there are few things worse than getting the feeling that people don't
like your music tonight.

To keep the most happy at all times, one needs to be conservative, methinks.

If you have the library, you can go forever on the best 30 orquestas (old
and modern). And repeat rarely.

It's true that when you deal only in the vintage recordings, your
conservative philosophy is tested again by how far you go with the "older"
sound. Let's use Edgarto Donato as an example.

The sound quality of his recordings is typically poor. The music is often
delectable (milongas Elle Es Así and Secale Punto). But this last is what I
think you could call very hardcore. Not everyone will like it. Nor is it
familiar to many - a key to acceptance.

Well, it's all in how you lead up to it. (And then of course , I played only
cleaned versions, which helps).

There is a collection of dj thoughts on the ToTANGO DJ Forum. I'd like more.
And there is currently no piece from a dancer commenting on dj's.

Best to all,

Keith


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