What makes Jazz different from other music?
Many listeners new to Jazz who may be casual, or fans of other music may wonder what makes Jazz different from other music? At times, the sheer amount of artists, recordings and styles seem overwhelming. Especially in the online universe newcomers seek information in Jazz message board communities and often get discouraged by the complexity of discussion. The New York Jazz Workshop blog hopefully answers some of the questions people might have. The resources here at New York Jazz Workshop offer weekly classes as well as summer intensives at our New York locations as well as skype private music lessons and online classes for students of any age group. The New York Jazz Workshop blog offers artist biographies with videos, photos, podcasts and much information on how to navigate certain styles for musicians, transcriptions and much more.
What makes Jazz different from other music?
Jazz is a purely American invention, it is America’s only native art form, created by African Americans, whose experiences of struggle impacted various directions musically and socially. Artists such as and are American icons, and their contributions to the culture are timeless. Music born out of New Orleans, Louisiana, a fusion of European, marching, pop, African, spiritual, blues and Latin origins rapidly developed over a 100 year period, extending to the present era. Every style of Jazz is played all around the world today, and two qualities that make it truly distinctive are improvisation, and attention to staying in the present. Additionally, Jazz music while absorbing influences from many genres, maintains it’s identity as Jazz. Observe the great pianist Herbie Hancock discuss why Jazz continues to flourish. The music is vital in hubs such as New York City, Tokyo, Italy, France, and Norway. Schools and institutions such as Berklee College of Music, Jazz at Lincoln Center and New York Jazz Workshop provide the type of education previously only afforded to classical programs, and the music has equal respect with it’s classical counterpart.
Future installments in this series will cover the various styles of Jazz and important artists. Remember to visit New York Jazz Workshop often, for everything from classes in improvisation, theory, vocals, woodwinds, guitar, and more. Essential Jazz Listening serves to educate new listeners to Jazz on the true depth and scope this form offers.
I have been the staff writer for the New York Jazz Workshop School of Music blog in midtown Manhattan since 2014, and that has broadened my freelance writing skills considerably. In addition to writing artist bios, and articles of interest that pertain to the mission of the school, I have interviewed (in print on the site) legendary guitarist and NEA Jazz Master Pat Metheny, trumpeter Cuong Vu, and in 2015 embarked on producing a podcast for the school where I have achieved my dream and interviewed jazz giants such as Dave Liebman, Lenny White, rising talents like Thana Alexa, Logan Richardson, guitarist and bassist Brian Kastan, among others. I also work on SEO optimization for the blog. In 2015 I started my blog Jazz Views with CJ Shearn, and have written liner notes for 5 time Grammy winner and Oscar and Golden Globe nominee, Antonio Sanchez (for his latest recording “Channels of Energy”) and guitarist Gene Ess for his latest recording, scheduled to be released in November 2018.
My passion for jazz music is what drives me, which is an interest I’ve had since I can remember. I initially began writing about jazz at the age of 13 for my high school newspaper, and in my late teens contributed occasionally to jazzreview.com. In college I was member of the Harpur Jazz Project which brought jazz acts to campus. I’ve also contributed in the past to AllAboutJazz where I was mentored by John Kelman. I decided to focus on my passion for jazz music journalism after a job in the social services field as a caseworker went south, and as a person with a physical disability I work on going against the odds, living independently and having accomplished things people had said I’d never do.