[Tradjazz] What is jazz?

[trevor rippingale]

Bruce, 
        I'd like to comment on the "what is jazz?" exchanges between Bill, Bruce, Billy and others. What a pity our old friend Artie Shaw isn't still around to add to the confusion ! 
         But really, I find such discussions all quite edifying. Its like trying to answer "what is the purpose of life?" We'll never know, but its great to ponder its implications. 
         The discussion to date reveals the kaleidoscopic nature of this wonderful "jazz" thing : so many styles, so many ways of approaching it, and all valid, with a rightful place in the mystery and magic of this wonderful art-form. The main thing to avoid is demanding that our own view of it is the only "correct" one (where else have I seen attitude recently ?).
           I like Bruce's approach that a lot of the more recent jazz "doesn't speak to" him : I share his view. But each of us is a different animal with different inherited and learnt preconceptions that we bring to all of our value judgements. Given this, its a surprise to me that humans can ever agree about anything ! ...and the state of the world seems to prove that just now !
           Personally, my jazz appreciation embraces everything up to the end of the Stan Kenton era, with the exception of Bop, which has never "struck a chord" with me. I stand in awe of the great boppers' abilities, but they don't raise the hairs on my neck. Post cool era developments don't "speak to" me (as Bruce would say). 
            Oh well....fire away !!
                                             Trevor
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