Alan Cohen Staff

I think that Lauren Gifford is fantastic. Anyone who goes and sees one of her shows will not be disappointed.

However, I do take issue with something that happened early on in her interview. Lauren was extremely adament about being a "solo artist" and "hiring" the other musicians that play with her. Although, I do not think it was intentional, it came across as belittling those that are onstage with her. Supporting musicians are every bit as important as the headliner. Miles Davis' album "Kinda Blue" would not have been the same without John Coltrane, Cannonball Adderley, Bill Evans, Wynton Kelly, Paul Chambers and Jimmy Cobb. Miles Davis was certainly a solo musician. Yet, each of the supporting musicians he played with brought their own personality to each tune.

I guarantee that Lauren sounds better or worse based on who she "hires". I wish she would have shown a greater sense of appreciation for those that are helping her to sound so so so so good.

3 years, 5 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

Alan Cohen Staff

As I said a couple times in my last post, I do not think that it was intended in a belittling way. However, I would have liked to hear her talk a little bit about the people that play with her. I maintain that the people that she plays with will make her sound much better or much worse.

We have a number of shows on TexasGigs listed as "Lauren Gifford Trio". Who are the musicians that play with her in the trio? What do those musicians add to the music and to the experience of seeing her live?

I know that if I were playing drums in the trio, and when the headliner were asked about the band, the reply was simply "i'm a solo artist" without mention of the other musicians, I might feel bad.

3 years, 5 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

Blair Lovern Staff

To Lauren's credit, though, she distinctly said she had to work hard to match the muscianship of those with whom she plays. The more I've thought about this back-and-forth, the more I think she was only trying to make sure I wasn't confused about her being a solo artist (which I wasn't.)

I asked the question to find out what might be different between solo and band shows, if anything, although it stumbled out like a moron. Go back and listen to me and see (hey, and then go back and listen to me at the end barely say something like, "Are we done?" Geez, what an idiot. I'm a print guy, not used to this fancy schmancy video stuff. But you know what? Who the hell cares.)

Anyway, to make extra sure to avoid any misunderstanding (and I'm not directing this toward Alan or anyone else specifically), throughout the entire night at Absinthe I didn't come across anything from Lauren except for pre-eminence. She's discerning, she's got major league talent, she's a true pro and very gracious.

I cannot imagine her not being signed by a big label and being in Dallas much longer, which is why I suggest everyone in town get off their fat and/or small rumps and see her up close when she's able to say "hello" and "thanks" to you in person.

3 years, 5 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

Alan Cohen Staff

Her talent remains undisputed.

3 years, 5 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

Mike Orren Staff

Hey Lauren (and all):

I'm glad you rang in, and really appreciate your joining the conversation.

One of the things I'm proudest of about this site so far is that everyone feels so comfortable exchanging ideas and everybody's being really cool about it-- And your followup here is a shining example.

Not everyone out there takes this kind of thing in the spirit it's meant-- that of open discussion and a genuine care for the music scene. That's what Cindy had in TexasGigs long before we gearheads got involved with all our gizmos and geegaws, and I'm glad to see it's still showing through in conversations like this where there may be a little poking and prodding, but everyone stays cool and upbeat.

And what other media outlet (dallasobserverdallasmorningnews)in town lets you immediately and publicly respond to their writers?

Anyway, I really appreciate your responding like this. And I'm sure your fans (old and new) do too.

3 years, 4 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )