AN INTRODUCTION TO THE MAKING AND MEANING OF JAZZ MUSIC!

My name is Kirsten Gustafson. I am a singer, recording artist, songwriter, and I love… Jazz!  I know it when I hear it, but what is it? What makes a song “Jazz”? What makes a “Jazz” song?  In this monthly column we’ll explore the truly American art form that is Jazz.

Recently the 1956 film, “High Society” was aired on cable. Maybe it isn’t the grandest story, however,  the artists and the music are altogether wonderful. Crooner/actor, Bing Crosby, backed up by Louis Armstrong and his band perform a song in which Bing sings a list of components which when combined add up to “Jazz”. (Can be found on YouTube.)

“First you take some Skins——Jazz begins     (drums)

Take a Bass———-now we’re gettin’ someplace

Take a Box———-one that rocks!     (piano)

Take a Blue Horn————New Orleans born      (Louis’ trumpet)

Take a stick—————One with a lick     (clarinet)

Take a Bone———-Oh, ho! Hold the phone!     (trombone)

Take a Spot———cool and hot Now You Has—Jazz, Jazz, Jazz!

He sings, “Jazz is King, Jazz is the thing that folks love most!”

Louis Armstrong and Bing Crosby somehow swing together very well. Mr. Crosby has been given some credit for bridging the gap between white and black artists and audiences in a highly segregated society and time in our history.

This American music is about freedom, space, creativity, emotions, improvisation, interpretation, sharing, and so much more. People play jazz all over the world. It’s THAT contagious! 

I’m truly looking forward to sharing more with you about the evolving music, forms, composers, artists, history and future of Jazz.