Let’s Get Started. But Don’t Get Me Started.
 This is my first column for Pulsar Sound. So, let’s begin with something I am really passionate about.
HOW do you listen to whatever music it is that grabs you? The public has been brainwashed in a way that would make Kim Jong Il proud. A certain audio company – I won’t name it specifically– but I refer to it as the Budweiser Of Sound Enjoyment has a commercial showing a guy holding a pair of RCA jacks next to a “complicated” piece of equipment called a receiver. He has a look on his face like you just asked him the value of Pi. The gist is supposed to be that you the listener are far too DUMB to operate anything with more buttons than your shirt. Personally, I love vinyl, tubes and planar speakers. I hate it when some corporate audio snob tells me what equipment I should own. But it is Ok for me to make recommendations to you because I am not a snob. The enjoyment of music, especially fusion with all of its power and nuance, is made all the better with a quality sound system. I suggest that you invest in good audio gear one piece at a time for the best listening experience.
Since the markup on fine equipment is astronomical, I can personally recommend buying used gear on Audiogon. This site is like Ebay for audio junkies and is a great resource for those of us not entitled to TARP funds.
A pair of speakers, an integrated amp-or separate amp and pre-amp and CD player or even a turntable will do for a start. The nice thing about buying good equipment is that you can always trade it or sell it to upgrade. For some systems a subwoofer is a good idea, especially if you have an apartment lease you want to break. Fusion is best played real loud. To test the windows and my neighbor’s patience I would choose to test things with “One Word” from Mahavishnu Orchestra’s Birds of Fire. Billy Cobham’s thundering double bass drums should seal the deal. So set your speakers up properly, position your favorite chair in the “sweet spot” and listen. When you actively listen (no TV, conversation or distractions) you will be amazed at how often you notice the subtle things. You will find even more enjoyment from music you have heard many times if you listen to it on the best audio equipment. In a pinch, your MP3 players and Ipods are OK I guess if you are a hardcore commuter. But even then I hope you at least consider using real headphones and not those useless earbuds. (I suggest the I-Grado brand.)
If you gave me a choice between a free Kenny G CD or a free I-pod at least I could use the Kenny G CD as a coaster. I suppose the I-Pod would be a good doorstop. (maybe)
Jeffrey Frank is a native New Yorker and opinionated Jazz Sociopath who has a 35-year love of all things eclectic. Over the last three decades Jeffrey has seen and met some of the world’s greatest fusion artists. He looks forward to sharing those experiences with you in future columns.
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