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What is Jazz?


As a self proclaimed expert and "aficionado", I should know the answer to that question; but I don't, because the answer is too complex.

As one example; Inna posted that he didn't like jazz, and in his next post he raved about a piece of music that I considered to be jazz. In Inna's case I understood the contradiction, he doesn't like "hard bop".

On the other hand, Rok2id's definition of jazz is so narrow that many of my jazz records and CD's, would be considered to be something other than "jazz".

What is "jazz" to you and can you define it?
orpheus10
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Hi Frogman,
It`s hard to say, in my experince with most jazz musicians I happen to know most of them cite Charlie Parker. A moot point really as they`re both and others are so worthy. Like I said I love and truly respect them all.
Regards,
orpheus10 OP
8,668 posts
 

While we might not be able to define jazz to everyone's satisfaction, we know it when we heat it. Today, there is a jazz resurgence going on in many foreign countries, and I find it most interesting when they blend elements of their music with American Jazz.

Currently, India has a jazz craze going on, and a group named "Bengal and Beyond" has attracted my attention. "Sharmilla Guha" is the vocalist in the group, and her "scat singing" on Horace Silver's "Calcutta Cutie" is fantastic.

Thanks to "Youtube", I give you "Calcutta Cutie"; by "Bengal And Beyond"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WvQ7BMws1M
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
Lord my burden is great!

People in India or Japan or any place for that matter, playing American Jazz, does not make it Japanese or Indian Jazz. No more than the New York Philharmonic playing Mozart, makes it American Classical music. The two clips were good, but it was AMERICAN music being played by folks from India and Japan. I think what you are looking for, MAY be found in Cuba.
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
"yes, its from Poland - is this jazz too?"

No.
minorl
1,018 posts
 
read Pat Metheny's response to Kenny G and see for yourself.

http://www.jazzoasis.com/methenyonkennyg.htm
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