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The State of Jazz

I was recently listening to "The Best of Diana Krall" LP. It is an amazing album. But later, I reflected on the fact that she sang almost entirely 'standards,' which means the songs are all at least 50 years old. Then, I thought, why hasn't the Jazz Community produced any more recent songs that have become standards. Then I thought: it is most likely, that the same standards (i.e., basin street blues; willow weep for me, etc.) will be sung for the next 50 years--and I wondered, are we producing any songs today that will become standards. I don't think so. Bu, why not?
elegal
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,456 posts
 
"Contrary to opinion, Rok2id and I can agree."

Nice to help bring you two together! :^)
chazro's avatar
chazro
635 posts
 
That's a great list of 'new standards'! It's telling that it's from the 60's forward (50 yrs ago!). I'd also strongly agree about certain Beatles/Wonder tunes being standard-worthy. What's sad is when you start to think of the possible standards written THIS century. I think that would be a pretty short list!

Diane Krall's 1st records seemed to be more in a Jazz vein, the 2 I bought from a used CD store back in the day were; 'All For You' - tribute to the Nat King Cole trio and 'Love Scenes' which featured her, Russell Malone (gtr), and Christian McBride (bs). After that her music became too formulaic for me although I've read that her 'Live In Paris' is pretty good.
czarivey
5,946 posts
 
Agree as well. Great American Songbook has nothing to do with jazz.
chayro
3,009 posts
 
Getting back to the OP - good question. IMO, jazz ended in the late 60s and all any "jazz" artist can do is to replay what has already been created. Before anyone kneejerks to say how ridiculous this is, keep in mind that many forms of music have ended. Homophonic music ended, Baroque ended, Classical ended, Romantic ended, Punk ended... Jazz ended. So what? There are still musicians performing classical, romantic, punk, disco, jazz, etc. If you like the music, listen to it. Sounds simple, but it seems to generate a lot of arguments.
czarivey
5,946 posts
 
This statement
jazz ended in the late 60s and all any "jazz" artist can do is to replay what has already been created.
is ENTIRELY WRONG.
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