Welome, Paul!

Paul Ruston posted:
>
> Hi, I'm new to the list...hopefully I won't ask anything too moronic.

Don't worry about that, Paul. We all post something moronic once in a while.
You'll fit in just fine.
>
> I'm wondering if this issue of 'sharpness' has any significance in two
> isolated situations. There was a small New York jazz scene (early 80's)
> where players were intentionally trying to play as sharp as possible, maybe
> to increase tension or a sense of 'outsideness'. As well, it seemed to me
> that a couple years back, alot of pop albums were coming out where the
> singers were singing sharp. It seemed like a conscious decision (I think
> maybe Alanis Morrisette might have accidentally started the trend). Any
> insight on the aesthetics of sharpness?

I'd be interested in _what she(?) sharps. Thirds? Fifths? Tonics? Can you
recommend any particular tracks to listen to?
>
> Also, is there some bit of info I'm missing? I don't think I've had trouble
> singing a 5/4 (since I've become aware of tuning issues) - are we talking
> about a specific situation in which these low ratios are difficult to tune?

It's not a matter of difficulty, Paul. It has to do with the observation
that singers seem to prefer a third slightly higher than tempered (12-tET)
when the fifth is sounding. (Has anyone kept track of particularly
significant editions of the List Digest on this topic? I probably should be,
but I'm basically lazy.)
>
> Oh yeah, where can I find the article by 'Margo'

The one I was referring to was posted on Feb 22, on Digest number 545. My
interest had to do with her comments regarding singers historically tending
toward JI tuning.

Have fun, Paul. We are!

Jerry