in your eyes who is better:
mark ford or kieko abe
just a pole to see what people say
thanks
megan

I couldnt reply to technical and performances..btw what does mark ford use, stevens grip? anyways I can comment on writing..although I like some keiko abe pieces and theyre great to improvise on and around, I like mark fords pieces much better(of course, its easier to print out very high quality pieces when you've only written a few lol) but its all a matter of taste..

In a composotional aspect, I would say Keiko Abe is "better" than Mark Ford. I have heard that Keiko could give completely improvised concerts and the audience would love the music and that she already improvises on parts of her compositions during concerts.

Also, I found Keiko Abe's concert at PASIC much, much more appealing than Mark Ford's. It could be because Keiko Abe's concert was the featured concert, however.

hands down no question ABE

Megan,
I agree with Scotts comments, especially about Keiko's style. The first time I heard her play live was in her home in Tokyo in 1982, I think. We had lunch and she played for me. All the low bars were broken. :>) But...there is always but.... she is no doubt an extremely gifted musician and wonderful human being...as is Mark.. I understand your question, and where it comes from, but why compare different experiences? I feel when we compare we are totally in the head. Feelings are cut out. I try to just experience what is happening when it happens. There is no comparison. It is what is happening then. And the feelings can take everything in, as well as the head. What do you think?
Bill Youhass