Hipper Than Thou?

Michael Walker’s analysis of Branford Marsalis’ role on “The Tonight Show” was searching and objective (“Too Hip for the Room,” Oct. 18).

However, as a “has-been” jazz musician, I feel qualified to suggest that while the Marsalis band’s repertoire is indeed hip, very state of the art, much of its material is incomprehensible to the average “Tonight Show” audience.

I also find the inane riff selected as the theme inconsistent with the capabilities of this fine band. Given its members’ extraordinary talent, to choose a theme that could be executed just as well by an Old Ladies Aid Society band makes no sense. In this regard, Marsalis ignores intelligent harmonic construction and musical integrity.

What sense does it make to employ a live band having this level of musicianship and not challenge them with something interesting (and listenable) to play. Furthermore, his failure to select a theme that can be identified with the show is a serious strategic error.

More to the point, ask anyone to whistle or hum the first few bars of the Carson “Tonight Show” theme, then ask him or her to recall the Leno theme. I could get rich taking bets on the outcome.

JIM MATHEWS

Glendale