Who are some women in jazz?
On this episode of the New York Jazz Workshop Podcast the topic is women in jazz. Who are some women in jazz? Today more than ever, women in jazz have integrated into the traditionally male dominated form on equal footing more than more so than ever before. In this episode I discuss some of the contributions of women in the music such as Tia Fuller, the late Geri Allen, organist Shirley Scott, Jazzmeia Horn, and often forgotten pioneers such as alto saxophonist and singer Vi Redd, and trumpeter Clora Bryant. Numerous women who have made gigantic contributions to this art form have been pianist Mary Lou Williams, Carla Bley, Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughn. Absolute titans like drummers Sherri Maricle, Teri Lyne Carrington, Kim Thompson, Hiromi and Cindy Blackman Santana are always present on the scene and providing inspiration for countless young women. Back in the twenties there were artists like drummer Viola Smith who paved the way, and the strides she, Redd, and Bryant made are felt to the present. Today, Thana Alexa and Grace Kelly bring new audiences to jazz and bring something unique and fresh to the table, while local musicians such as Florida organist Jocelyn Michelle keep the flames burning brightly.
To learn more about women in jazz music, musicians and singers of all ages can partake in classes
with world class faculty including Olivia Foschi, Jocelyn Medina, Amina Figarova and Fay Victor.
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.