I could have done separate posts, but why? So I write to note the imminent demise of one inanimate technology great, and the recent passing of one giant of jazz.
Is there a thread between the two to justify a single post? Perhaps in a tangential and abstract way, as both were a harbinger of things to come and standard setters in their respective fields.
Boing Boing reports that Netscape, on which I write this blog entry, will cease being supported in February 2008. Like many Internet geeks, I started on Netscape and have discussed it’s merits and battles at Hobee’s in Mountain View, but according to the BBC, I am now one of .6% of Internet users who still call it home. Will I still use it? Well, I use Ecco and still on occasion play Rampart, so don’t count me out yet. So it may yet live in my computer even if its thrown out by its owner. And I may benefit since no one will even bother (assuming they even are now) to write viruses for it!
As for Oscar Peterson, I merely want to note that it was his trio’s classic (and misnamed) “At the Concertgebouw” that turned me on to jazz well before Netscape was a thought in my brain. With Herb Ellis and Ray Brown, Peterson formed one of the greatest trios in jazz history whose influence was profound. I do not need to sing Peterson’s praises or note his unique contributions here (look here for more info), but I want to thank him and his colleagues for enriching my life with his music. His music (and particularly tracks from this album) have been used in previous Hearsay Culture shows, my small tribute to his work.
On a personal level, both influenced me in different ways: indeed, my first browser allowed me to experience the possibilities of the Internet; possibilities that I celebrate on Hearsay Culture. Specifically to Peterson, Netscape allowed me to find info about Peterson’s career and discography, and indeed it was only when I could really research musicians on the Internet that I was able to fully explore Peterson’s significant influence on jazz. So the wonders of the information available by way of the Internet helped inform my love of jazz by allowing that access to knowledge and music. Thus, a hearty and heartfelt thanks to both, and alas, both will live on (in a very small way) digitally in the memory of my computer.
Clarification December 29: it has been pointed out to me that I may not have been clear about the following: I value human beings more than technology. I do not intend to imply that code should be viewed the same as a human being — even really good code. Thanks for the feedback.
