#Jazz Educators

[jazzdailyblog]

Gigi Gryce: The Unsung Architect of Modern Jazz

Introduction: In the pantheon of jazz greats, certain figures, despite their immense contributions, often remain overshadowed by more celebrated contemporaries. Gigi Gryce is one such artist—a masterful saxophonist, composer, arranger, and educator who helped shape the sound of modern jazz in the 1950s and 1960s. Although Gryce’s career in the spotlight was relatively brief, his influence…

[ryoalouette]

Turns out I'm not quite done with DPxDC HIVE Academy

So like.

I'm legit wondering what kind of university would even have a course on afterlife or ghosts to study scientifically when what we got be myths and theories and all that stuff. (How tf do one even vivisect ghost, study their behavior when there's not even a body(?) and so on- not to mention that not everyone has the belief that Ghost Are Evil and all that-) But then a tot came to me: an extension of HIVE. Or maybe a Proto-HIVE. HIVE Uni though, definitely.

The (not so secretly) villain school WOULD DEFINITELY give this dubious three mad scientist kids some funds to go crazy. Also reason why none of the government call of them driving atrociously went through. Or CPS. Or lab safety and so on and so forth.

They're all protected by this nifty thing called HIVE graduates! :D

[legolasghosty]

Best wishes during this tax season to Ray Molina, who is staring at his computer and trying to figure out if there's a way he can claim all 6 of his kids as dependents, even though 4 of them aren't alive.

[hancockinstitute]

The Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz Performance at UCLA students rocking it with Mr. Herbie Hancock himself in Riyadh!! 🎶🎹🎷🎸🥁🎺

[theangrycomet]

The jettwins can’t read send post

[nelson-riddle-me-this]

Here's my Cowboy Bebop vibes playlist - music that's (imo) similar to Yoko Kanno's music for the show! Both Spotify and YouTube versions. Enjoy!

[gamethon-official]

Hold On To Our Earth | A song for global warming

[teledyn]

If you know any teens nervously starting in a school jazz band, I highly recommend this. These young actors signed up for these roles with no prior music training (one knew recorder iirc, she stands out), their learning is real as are the very clever methods used to accelerate their musicianship, and to prove it, the band did a promo concert tour when the film was released.

[neverendingford]

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[jazzdailyblog]

Ray Drummond: The Bulldog of Jazz Bass

Introduction: When discussing the finest jazz bassists, Ray Drummond stands out as a true giant. Known for his versatile style and masterful technique, Drummond has carved out an extraordinary career as a performer, composer, and educator. Over the decades, he has lent his rich, resonant bass tone to countless recordings, collaborated with an astonishing array of jazz luminaries, and nurtured…

[omegaphilosophia]

The Philosophy of Jazz

The philosophy of jazz is a rich and complex topic that encompasses the cultural, social, and musical dimensions of jazz as an art form. Jazz is not only a genre of music but also a way of thinking and being, reflecting values such as spontaneity, creativity, individuality, and community. The philosophy of jazz explores these themes, often connecting them to broader philosophical questions about identity, freedom, expression, and the nature of art.

Key Themes in the Philosophy of Jazz:

Improvisation:

Spontaneity and Creativity: Improvisation is central to jazz, emphasizing the importance of spontaneous creation and the ability to express oneself in the moment. This process challenges traditional notions of composition and performance, highlighting the dynamic interplay between structure and freedom.

Philosophical Reflection: Improvisation in jazz can be seen as a metaphor for life itself, where individuals must navigate unpredictability, make decisions on the fly, and adapt to changing circumstances. It reflects a philosophy that values flexibility, responsiveness, and the capacity to create meaning in real-time.

Freedom and Expression:

Artistic Freedom: Jazz has often been associated with the idea of freedom, both musically and socially. Musicians are encouraged to express their unique voices, experimenting with form, harmony, and rhythm. This freedom of expression is a core philosophical value of jazz.

Social and Political Dimensions: Jazz has historically been a voice for marginalized communities, particularly African Americans. It has been a medium for expressing resistance, resilience, and the struggle for civil rights. The philosophy of jazz, therefore, often intersects with discussions of freedom, equality, and social justice.

Individuality and Community:

Balancing the Individual and the Collective: Jazz is both a highly individualistic and a deeply communal art form. While it celebrates the unique contributions of individual musicians, it also depends on the interaction and collaboration within the ensemble. This balance reflects a philosophy that values both personal expression and collective harmony.

Dialogical Nature: The interplay between musicians in a jazz ensemble can be seen as a form of dialogue, where each musician responds to and builds upon the others' contributions. This dialogical aspect of jazz fosters a sense of community and mutual respect, where each voice is heard and valued.

Innovation and Tradition:

Respect for Tradition: Jazz has a deep respect for its roots and traditions, drawing on blues, gospel, and earlier jazz forms. Musicians often pay homage to past masters while exploring new directions, creating a dialogue between the old and the new.

Philosophy of Progress: At the same time, jazz is characterized by its constant innovation and evolution. The philosophy of jazz embraces change, experimentation, and the breaking of boundaries, reflecting a commitment to progress and the exploration of new possibilities.

The Blues Aesthetic:

Emotional Depth and Authenticity: The blues is foundational to jazz, bringing with it a philosophy that values emotional honesty, resilience, and the ability to find beauty in adversity. The blues aesthetic in jazz emphasizes the expression of deep, often painful emotions, and the transformation of those emotions into something meaningful and uplifting.

Existential Reflection: The blues, and by extension jazz, often grapples with existential themes such as suffering, loss, and the search for meaning. This reflects a philosophy that acknowledges the complexities of the human condition and the power of music to address and transcend those complexities.

Time and Rhythm:

Philosophy of Time: Jazz’s approach to time and rhythm, with its syncopation, swing, and complex rhythmic patterns, reflects a unique philosophy of time. Jazz often plays with the conventional understanding of time, stretching, compressing, and manipulating it in ways that challenge the listener's expectations.

Temporal Experience: This manipulation of time in jazz can be seen as a reflection on the fluidity of time itself, offering insights into how we experience and perceive time. It highlights the possibility of multiple temporalities coexisting, resonating with broader philosophical discussions about the nature of time.

Cultural Identity and Global Influence:

Jazz as a Cultural Expression: Jazz is deeply rooted in the African American experience, and its philosophy often engages with issues of cultural identity, heritage, and the diaspora. Jazz reflects the blending of African, European, and American musical traditions, creating a unique cultural expression that speaks to issues of identity and belonging.

Global Impact: Jazz has become a global phenomenon, influencing and being influenced by musical traditions around the world. The philosophy of jazz includes an appreciation of this cross-cultural exchange, recognizing the music's ability to transcend cultural boundaries and create a shared human experience.

Ethics and Aesthetics:

Moral Dimensions: The philosophy of jazz also includes ethical considerations, particularly regarding authenticity, integrity, and respect for the music and its practitioners. Issues such as cultural appropriation, commercialization, and the role of the artist in society are relevant to philosophical discussions about jazz.

Aesthetic Values: Jazz challenges traditional aesthetic values by embracing dissonance, irregularity, and complexity. It often defies conventional notions of beauty, proposing instead an aesthetic that values the raw, the real, and the unexpected.

Jazz and Existentialism:

Existential Themes: Jazz, particularly in its emphasis on freedom, individuality, and the search for meaning, shares affinities with existentialist philosophy. Both jazz and existentialism explore the human condition, the experience of alienation, and the quest for authenticity in an uncertain world.

Living Authentically: Just as existentialism advocates for living authentically in the face of an absurd or indifferent universe, jazz musicians often strive to find and express their authentic selves through their music, creating meaning through their art.

Jazz as a Way of Life:

Philosophy in Practice: For many musicians and fans, jazz is more than just a genre of music—it is a way of life, embodying a particular attitude toward life that values creativity, spontaneity, and the pursuit of excellence. This philosophy encourages living in the moment, embracing uncertainty, and finding joy in the process of creation.

The philosophy of jazz is multifaceted, touching on themes of freedom, individuality, community, creativity, and cultural identity. It reflects a way of thinking and being that is deeply intertwined with the music itself, offering insights into both the human experience and the nature of artistic expression. Jazz philosophy encourages an open, responsive, and innovative approach to life, celebrating the beauty of improvisation, the richness of diversity, and the power of music to connect, challenge, and inspire.

[barnabascollins]

gustave courbet’s “the desperate man” as quentin collins :) done 4 the lovely ds discord’s art night (thanks guys!)

[silverspleen]

ON THAT NOTE if you're interesting in listening to/supporting my local jazz station you can listen to them here!

90.7 jazz WNCU is run by the local public historically black university (NCCU) and an affiliate of NPR, so they also have good news too.

They don't just do jazz, they have often have evening R&B and funk blocks and the blues and disco sometimes as well, just really good music. I am so soothed by this station you have no idea, sometimes after work I just sit in the car for a few minutes listening to decompress before I go back to my apartment.

[ourmindonmusicpodcast]

Billy Strayhorn: A Key Thread in the Tapestry of Jazz

Billy Strayhorn is one of the greatest composers in the history of jazz. He is best known for his nearly 30-year partnership with jazz legend, Duke Ellington. Stayhorn/Ellington compositions feature such classics as “Take the A Train,” “Satin Doll”, and “Lotus Blossom.” Strayhorn joined Ellington’s band in 1939, at the age of twenty four, and by the end of the year Strayhorn had become essential…

[bobbybroomguitar]

A lot has happened since I started teaching at #northernillinoisuniversity five years ago… Last year, I received tenure, and this summer I was published for the first time in #asalhbhm. I also recently finished a chapter to be published in a musical instruction book. I am looking forward to the new opportunities this year will bring!

[soulmusicsongs]

The Shores Of Serenity - The Northern Illinois University Jazz Ensemble, Ron Modell (A Salute To Jazz Education, 1973)