Stories with Tag Underground

• The Book (2021)

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  Posted: 2025-03-28 16:39:10

  Verbose tl;dr

  "The Book" (2021) podcast episode from 99% Invisible explores the history and cultural impact of The Real Book, a collection of illegally transcribed jazz lead sheets. Starting in the 1970s, this crowdsourced anthology became ubiquitous among jazz musicians, providing readily available arrangements of standards and lesser-known tunes. While copyright infringement plagued its existence, The Real Book democratized access to a vast musical repertoire, fostering improvisation, education, and the evolution of jazz. The episode examines the legal grey areas, the dedication of those who compiled and distributed the book, and its enduring influence on generations of musicians despite the eventual availability of legal alternatives.

  The 99% Invisible episode, "The Real Book," delves into the fascinating and complex history of The Real Book, not a singular, officially published volume, but a series of illicitly compiled and distributed anthologies of jazz lead sheets – simplified musical scores containing melody, harmony, and lyrics. The episode meticulously traces the genesis of these clandestine collections back to the 1970s, a period where obtaining accurate transcriptions of popular jazz standards was a significant challenge for aspiring musicians.

  It elaborates on the painstaking process undertaken by a collective of Berklee College of Music students, who, driven by a shared passion for jazz and a desire for accessible learning materials, embarked upon the ambitious project of transcribing popular jazz compositions by ear. These transcriptions, often derived from recordings rather than official sheet music, were subsequently collated and photocopied, resulting in the first iterations of The Real Book. The episode underscores the collaborative and somewhat rebellious nature of this undertaking, highlighting the fact that these books were created without official permission from copyright holders, existing in a legal gray area for decades.

  The podcast meticulously explores the multifaceted impact of The Real Book on the jazz world. It acknowledges the book's undeniable contribution to the dissemination and preservation of jazz standards, providing generations of musicians with invaluable access to a wide repertoire. It also analyzes how the readily available, simplified arrangements within The Real Book influenced the way jazz was learned and performed, potentially leading to a homogenization of playing styles and a decreased emphasis on individual interpretation and improvisation. The episode grapples with the ethical complexities surrounding copyright infringement and the delicate balance between accessibility and artistic ownership, presenting the varied perspectives of musicians, publishers, and legal experts.

  Furthermore, the episode discusses the evolution of The Real Book over time, from its rudimentary, hand-copied origins to later, more refined editions featuring improved accuracy and a broader selection of tunes. It touches upon the various legal challenges faced by the creators and distributors of these unauthorized compilations, and the eventual emergence of legally sanctioned versions of The Real Book that sought to address copyright concerns. The narrative also considers the impact of digital technology on the distribution and accessibility of sheet music, and how this has impacted the continued relevance of The Real Book in the 21st century. Finally, the episode concludes by reflecting on the enduring legacy of The Real Book, acknowledging its complex and often contradictory role in shaping the landscape of jazz music and education.

  • Jazz
  • Music
  • fake book
  • real book
  • sheet music
  • Copyright
  • improvisation
  • lead sheets
  • Chuck Sher
  • history of jazz
  • jazz standards
  • musical notation
  • DIY
  • Underground
  • Community
  • Musicians
  • performance
  • transcription
  • arrangement

  Summary of Comments ( 1 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43507404

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News users discuss the ubiquity and impact of The Real Book, a collection of illegal jazz lead sheets. Commenters share anecdotes of its use in learning, performing, and teaching jazz, highlighting its role as a shared resource and common language among musicians. Some debate the ethics of its copyright-infringing nature, acknowledging the creators' lost revenue but also the book's contribution to jazz accessibility. The discussion also touches on the evolution of "fake books," the challenges of transcribing complex improvisations, and the book's occasional inaccuracies, with some commenters recommending newer, legal alternatives. Others share specific memories associated with The Real Book and its importance in their musical journeys. The practicality of the book, particularly its portability and spiral binding, is also praised.

  The Hacker News post titled "The Book (2021)" linking to a 99% Invisible podcast episode about "The Real Book" has generated several comments. Many discuss their personal experiences and perspectives related to the Real Book.

  Several commenters reminisce about their own usage of the Real Book. One shares a story about using a spiral-bound version during their high school jazz band days, highlighting its prevalence and importance for learning jazz standards. Another recounts using a legal-sized version, noting the inconvenience but acknowledging its comprehensive nature. Others mention their experiences with different editions and formats of the book, showcasing its evolving nature over the years. The difficulties of sight-reading complex arrangements are also touched upon.

  The legality and copyright issues surrounding the Real Book are a recurring theme. Some commenters discuss the ethical implications of using unauthorized copies and the challenges musicians faced before legal versions became available. The transition from hand-copied versions to printed and later digital copies is also mentioned, reflecting the book's evolution alongside technological advancements. One user points out the irony of musicians relying on an illegal resource while simultaneously advocating for stronger copyright protections for their own work. The discussion touches upon the complexities of copyright in the context of jazz, where improvisation and interpretation are key elements.

  A few commenters delve into the musical aspects of the Real Book, discussing specific tunes and the challenges they present. The importance of transcribing solos and the role of the Real Book in learning jazz harmony and improvisation are highlighted. The curated nature of the collection and the inclusion of different styles and composers are also mentioned.

  The conversation extends to alternative resources for learning jazz standards, including other fake books, online databases, and legal sheet music sources. The availability and accessibility of these resources are discussed, contrasting them with the Real Book's historical significance and continued popularity. One commenter specifically suggests the iReal Pro app as a modern, legal, and highly functional alternative.

  The lack of composer royalties is mentioned again, with one commenter pondering on the potential lost earnings for composers due to the widespread unauthorized use of the Real Book. The discussion touches upon the balance between accessibility for musicians and fair compensation for creators.

  Overall, the comments section provides a rich tapestry of personal experiences, ethical considerations, and musical insights related to the Real Book, reflecting its enduring influence on the jazz community.

• Subway Stories

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  Posted: 2025-01-13 15:10:11

  Verbose tl;dr

  Subway Stories is a crowdsourced collection of short, true anecdotes about everyday life on the New York City subway. These vignettes capture the diverse range of human experiences that unfold underground, from chance encounters and acts of kindness to moments of absurdity and quiet observation. The website serves as a digital tapestry of the city's vibrant and often unpredictable subterranean world, offering a glimpse into the lives of the millions who pass through its tunnels each day. It's a testament to the shared humanity and unique character of the NYC subway, presenting a mosaic of moments that are both relatable and distinctly New York.

  "Subway Stories," a digital tapestry woven from the myriad experiences of New York City subway riders, serves as an engaging and poignant compendium of the human drama that unfolds daily beneath the bustling metropolis. The website, a veritable archive of fleeting moments and enduring connections, meticulously catalogs a diverse array of encounters, ranging from the mundane to the extraordinary, all set against the backdrop of the city's intricate subterranean transit system. Through evocative narratives, both brief and elaborate, contributors paint a vivid picture of the subway's unique social ecosystem, capturing the ephemeral interactions that often go unnoticed amidst the frenetic pace of urban life.

  These narratives, submitted by individuals from all walks of life, encapsulate the full spectrum of human emotion. From heartwarming tales of unexpected kindness and serendipitous connections to accounts of frustration, absurdity, and the occasional touch of urban grit, the collection offers a kaleidoscopic view of the shared human experience. Whether it be a chance encounter with a long-lost friend, a musician's impromptu performance that transforms a dreary commute, or a quiet observation of fellow passengers lost in their own worlds, each story contributes a unique thread to the rich fabric of the subway's narrative. The site thus functions not only as a repository of individual experiences but also as a testament to the collective tapestry of life that unfolds within the confines of New York City's iconic subway system, a space that serves as a microcosm of the city itself, reflecting its diversity, its energy, and its enduring capacity for both connection and isolation. Furthermore, the minimalist design of the website allows the narratives themselves to take center stage, ensuring that the focus remains squarely on the raw, unfiltered voices of the individuals who contribute their stories. This emphasis on authenticity enhances the emotional resonance of the project, creating a powerful and immersive experience for the reader who is invited to become a virtual fellow traveler, vicariously experiencing the joys, sorrows, and everyday oddities of life on the New York City subway.

  • NYC Subway
  • Subway Photography
  • Street Photography
  • Urban Life
  • New York City
  • Portraits
  • Documentary Photography
  • Photojournalism
  • Commute
  • Underground
  • Transit
  • Human Interest
  • Cityscapes
  • New York City Subway
  • Subway Life
  • Urban Photography
  • Subway System
  • Public Transportation
  • City Life
  • New Yorkers

  Summary of Comments ( 7 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42684211

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News users discuss the "Subway Stories" project, largely praising its nostalgic and artistic value. Some commenters share personal anecdotes of their own subway experiences, echoing the themes of chance encounters and shared humanity found on the site. Others analyze the technical aspects of the project, appreciating its minimalist design and questioning the choice of technology used. A few express skepticism about the authenticity of some submissions, while others lament the decline of similar community art projects in the internet age. The overall sentiment is positive, with many users finding the site to be a refreshing reminder of the unique human tapestry of the New York City subway system.

  The Hacker News post titled "Subway Stories" linking to subwaystories.nyc/ has several comments discussing the website and its content.

  Many users praised the site's design and user experience. One commenter described it as "clean and well-designed," while another appreciated the "smooth infinite scroll" and the way it "loads quickly." Several people specifically mentioned liking the minimalist aesthetic and the focus on the stories themselves. The site's mobile-friendliness was also highlighted as a positive aspect.

  A few commenters discussed the technical aspects, with one asking about the platform or framework used to build it and expressing admiration for its performance. Another commenter, identifying as a web developer, offered specific technical suggestions for improving the mobile experience, such as addressing a minor scrolling issue.

  The content itself generated discussion, with some users sharing their own subway anecdotes and others reflecting on the universal nature of such experiences. One commenter pointed out the similarity of the stories to those found on "Missed Connections" websites, highlighting the shared human experience of fleeting encounters and missed opportunities. Another commenter expressed enjoyment at the variety of stories, ranging from humorous to heartwarming to thought-provoking.

  Some comments focused on the specific features of the site, with some suggesting additions like a "like" button or a way to filter stories by category or mood. One commenter suggested implementing a feature to prevent duplicate stories, while another proposed the ability to share stories directly on other social media platforms.

  A thread developed discussing the moderation policies of the website, particularly in light of potentially offensive or harmful content. Commenters debated the balance between free speech and protecting users from negativity, with different viewpoints expressed regarding the level of moderation that would be appropriate.

  Finally, several comments simply expressed appreciation for the website, calling it a "great idea," "refreshing," and a "welcome distraction." The overall sentiment towards the website was positive, with many users praising its simplicity, design, and the engaging nature of the user-submitted stories.