"J. D. Parkin Only Confuses the Issue"

Radio Record, Volume VIII, Issue 26, 4 January 1935, Page 6

"J. D. Parkin Only Confuses the Issue"

To the Editor Sir--I have read with interest the biased views of J. D. Parkin on jazz in the: December-28 issue of the "N.Z. Radio Record," and ‘feel that your readers would better appreciate «his (her?) pearls-of wisdom if he (she?) would: answer this small question, "What is jazz?" I, ‘personally, am very fond’ of "music, and -have devoted quite a considerable tinie to-it, both as a listener and a-performer, and: yet I find it very difficult to state exactly what is "good music." The nearest I can get to it igs that good music. is music which creates a pleasing impression .on x listener, and since listeners vary very considerably in their tastes, it is‘ not possible for me to be a final judge. Many, musical items in the national programmes. do not appeal to me., When this is the case I turn a.switch and leave them to those to whom ‘they do appeal, J. D. Parkin’s extraordinary outburst, referred. to above, dealing as it does with H.M. ‘the. King, -HLR.H. the Duke of Gloucester, Venus. Sir Edward Higar and "Amused," merely serves to confuse the issue and shows such a narrow-minded outlook as to be unworthy of consideration. . May I, in conclusion, congratulate the Broadcasting Board on their mauy improvements in our programmes, and on doing their best to suit all tastes, and say that,personally I consider I’m getting my money’s worth?- Iam, etc.

TOLERANCE

Wellington.