TER General Board
I would prefer no noise in the background, other than our own 
Otherwise, it would be soft blue/jazz playing in the background. The idea of head banging music, or even porn turned up loudly via the t.v. set, is enough for me to be totally not "there" in the session.
The genre "new age" is huge. I don't know what people have been playing that you consider "new age crap", but there are some things that you might typically categorize as new age that are so much more intense than vocal jazz/pop from yesteryear. Steve Roach, Brent Lewis, Ron Sunsinger, Al DiMeola, George Winston, Michael Jones...all have produced music that has rhythm or emotional intensity that is much more passionate and warm, to me, than ANYTHING with vocals. I don't need anyone but my partner talking to my brain when I am making love.
Now Billie Holiday...that's a whole other story. 
-- Modified on 6/13/2007 10:03:21 PM
I also try to play what my friend likes, but when he doesn't suggest anything I try to keep in mind his age, my likes and his dislikes. Usually, I pay soft jazz music. I especially like Rod Stewart's classics (his new stuff), Billy Holiday, Bosa Nova (Brazilian) music, classical, etc. On a few ocassions I have played Swing because the gentleman is into 40s & 50s mementos and I have a lot in my private space.
Hugs,
ciara
-- Modified on 6/14/2007 12:53:40 PM
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-- Modified on 6/14/2007 12:55:56 PM