Since that this topic generated so much conversation, I thought I’d revisit it, LOL.

Funny, for the most part, I’ve noticed jazz / pop pianist aren’t too impressed with Jon’s efforts to infuse the blues on into Beethoven. The reaction has been much more positive among my classical pianist’s counterparts. I think the jazz guys are just hearing the same old blues licks mechanically, inserted into an old classic , while classical guys are hearing something more fresh . The reaction was overwhelming favorable among non musicians though, who thought it was a completely original and genius take on a classic. By the way, this album is now number one on the classical/crossover charts. Immediately a very niche market, but how many of us have number one albums? LOL 😂

These reactions reminded me of Bill Evan’s thoughts on the layperson vs professional level musicians ability to hear and perceive music:

I do not agree that the layman’s opinion is less of a valid judgement of music than that of the professional musician. In fact I would often rely more on the judgement of a sensitive layman than that of a professional since the professional because of his constant involvement with the mechanics of music must fight to preserve the naivety that the layman already possesses.”