2007年VOA标准英语-Ben Folds Joins John Mayer Tour

By Larry London
Washington, D.C.
03 July 2007
 

Musician Ben Folds grew up playing the piano, attended college on a percussion¹ scholarship and recently performed with the world-renowned Boston Pops Orchestra. This multi-talented performer is currently on tour with John Mayer and is preparing to host a musical cruise to Jamaica. VOA's Larry London recently caught up with this busy musician.

Ben Folds performing

Ben Folds loves to perform in front of a live audience. But in order to give the audience the sound they expect, Folds has to slow himself down on stage to make his virtuoso² piano playing and passionate³ singing seem fast.

"I think some of it had to do with rushing,” says Folds. “Playing live shows, I play too fast. Everyone at the live show is thinking too fast, too. So, we are all on the same page [thinking the same thing], which made me realize that the record is one thing and the surroundings or the context in which you hear the record is one thing, too."

"Live shows do not have to be like the record at all. Although a lot of people may say, 'Man your records and your live shows are actually very similar.' But it is just that you put yourself in the surrounding. So, while everyone says you are playing slower, you are actually playing faster. It is actually a big difference, because tempo⁴ is really a big deal. That's why I realized that it was different."

Folds is among the rare rockers who feel comfortable playing alongside loud guitars and drums as well as symphony orchestras.

Folds talks about his new album, the music industry and the Internet

"I think there is something magical about a lot of people making music at once, when it is in concert, and it's a symphony orchestra, every individual player is disciplined, and musical, and has integrity, and is artistic,” says Folds. “You put that many people together in concert, with the idea of playing a bigger piece, it is just powerful, it's the main thing. It is a spectacle, all this, but it's actually powerful, like seeing a massive gospel choir⁵."

The hit single "Bricks" is a song he recorded a decade ago with his now defunct⁶ band, Ben Folds Five. Now a solo artist, Folds' latest CD is a compilation⁷ he previously⁸ released on the Internet.

"The idea was to make music, and make the only outlet⁹ the Internet. When we started it, it was unusual. Now it is not that unusual to make iTunes (Internet download) records, but it was unusual then when we started doing that. And I just wanted to make sure I had copies, real CDs, rather than just mp3s (digital audio computer files). So, this is sort of a backup tape (spare copy)."

Folds has seen many changes in the music industry during his long career and believes more are on the way.

"I don't think these are the same industries. I think that the (music) industry that we used to know was using that (Internet) for advertisement. I think that the new industry is using the other side (old methods) for advertisement. Ultimately, all the sales and distribution of records will be advertisement for someone who has the talent to play the record live. If you can perform your music live, that becomes the real thing. The rest will become an illusion."

In explaining his future plans, Folds still has one project he hopes to complete.

"I plan to get some instruments all in one area, put some microphones on them, play the music and record it. Probably, we will mix those tracks and put an album together. We have been planning to do this for a while, but I just have not done anything about it… but I would have to write some songs for it, and I am really slow."

1 percussion   

n.打击乐器；冲突，撞击；震动，音响

参考例句：

• In an orchestra,people who play percussion instruments sit at the back.在管弦乐队中，演奏打击乐器的人会坐在后面。
• Percussion of the abdomen is often omitted.腹部叩诊常被省略。

2 virtuoso   

n.精于某种艺术或乐器的专家，行家里手

参考例句：

• He was gaining a reputation as a remarkable virtuoso.作为一位技艺非凡的大师，他声誉日隆。
• His father was a virtuoso horn player who belonged to the court orchestra.他的父亲是宫廷乐队中一个技巧精湛的圆号演奏家。

3 passionate   

adj.热情的，热烈的，激昂的，易动情的，易怒的，性情暴躁的

参考例句：

• He is said to be the most passionate man.据说他是最有激情的人。
• He is very passionate about the project.他对那个项目非常热心。

4 tempo   

n.(音乐的)速度；节奏，行进速度

参考例句：

• The boss is unsatisfied with the tardy tempo.老板不满于这种缓慢的进度。
• They waltz to the tempo of the music.他们跟着音乐的节奏跳华尔兹舞。

5 choir   

n.唱诗班，唱诗班的席位，合唱团，舞蹈团；v.合唱

参考例句：

• The choir sang the words out with great vigor.合唱团以极大的热情唱出了歌词。
• The church choir is singing tonight.今晚教堂歌唱队要唱诗。

6 defunct   

adj.死亡的；已倒闭的

参考例句：

• The scheme for building an airport seems to be completely defunct now.建造新机场的计划看来整个完蛋了。
• This schema object is defunct.No modifications are allowed until it is made active again.此架构对象不起作用。在重新激活之前，不能进行任何改动。

7 compilation   

n.编译，编辑

参考例句：

• One of the first steps taken was the compilation of a report.首先采取的步骤之一是写一份报告。
• The compilation of such diagrams,is of lasting value for astronomy.绘制这样的图对天文学有永恒的价值。

8 previously   

adv.以前，先前（地）

参考例句：

• The bicycle tyre blew out at a previously damaged point.自行车胎在以前损坏过的地方又爆开了。
• Let me digress for a moment and explain what had happened previously.让我岔开一会儿，解释原先发生了什么。

9 outlet   

n.出口/路；销路；批发商店；通风口；发泄

参考例句：

• The outlet of a water pipe was blocked.水管的出水口堵住了。
• Running is a good outlet for his energy.跑步是他发泄过剩精力的好方法。