John Bemis
Blogs Editor
@bemiscourant
Well, it’s Jazz appreciation month. The month of April has become a time for musicians and listeners alike to let loose and celebrate Jazz as a heritage form of music. Started in 2001 by the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, the trend is meant to honor the countless Jazz legends born in the month of April. Perhaps more importantly, the month brings Jazz music to the attention of this country’s youth.
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to wear a fedora, smoke cigars, or be older than 65 to love Jazz music. It’s too often viewed as a tantalizing genre, so vast and “intellectual” that it is reserved for the exclusive enjoyment of critics, musicians, and old people. In it’s time though, it was considered the exact opposite.
Throughout the eras of Jazz’s popularity, it continually received designation as the music of rebellious youth. Where Western Classical music was dignified, melodious, and composed, Jazz sought to abandon convention and play with dissonance, placing an emphasis on improvisation. The sounds breathe adrenaline and mix fluidly into an emotionally intoxicating musical cocktail.
So why should you care about Jazz? Simply put, it’s a wholly refreshing experience. Jazz is to music listening what milk is to spicy indian food. Sometimes, the excitement of your day-to-day playlist becomes terribly stale. Unless you’re already well versed in the language of Miles and Mingus, Jazz will clear your palate with a flavor that is completely unique and engaging.
At this point you may be wondering, “How do I even Jazz? Where do I begin? What do I do?” Well have no fear. Just like Led Zeppelin and the Beatles can be the entryway into Rock music, Jazz has a similar canon. Check out these artists to get a taste of what Jazz has to offer:
Miles Davis
My dad once mocked me by saying, “If you’re cool, then I must be Miles Davis!” and what an incredibly accurate diss it was. Miles Davis embodies Jazz’s “cool” reputation. Just look at him! He was a virtuosic master of his instrument, creative genius, and was at the forefront of every major movement in Jazz music. From Old-school, to Bebop, to the invention of Cool Jazz, to the amorphous blend of Jazz Fusion, Miles was always a talented innovator. He re-defined what Jazz was while setting an artistic precedent for what it could be.
A hit: So What
A deep cut: Pharaoh’s Dance
John Coltrane
To ride the “Col-train” is to let the Jazz overtake you, body and soul. The term is, in my opinion, representative of what John Coltrane was able to do through his art. He stretched the sonic boundaries of the Saxophone throughout his career. Starting as a talent in the business of playing other people’s music, his solo material showcased his abilities and boundless imagination. Coltrane’s style of Jazz soloing was one that defined the idea of improvisational communication, trading and building upon the spontaneous musical motifs of his ensemble. Whether it be in a Swing standard or a Free Jazz jam, he never struggled to be the standout voice.
A Hit: Acknowledgement
A deep cut: Cousin Mary
