The aural experience of Jazz.
Go on, break the barriers of
the habitual, the usual, and
let yourself be moved again.
Music is divided into currents, we like to call these genres, or types of music. Though difficult to define with words, these "types" are easy to recognize and often in stark contrast to each other. Though many works will straddle on the lines between genres, most artists and their works sit comfortably within a category. As listeners, we, the audience, tend to have preferences, and these are further defined by social influence. As we evolve from youngsters mostly indifferent to music, to inexperienced but enthusiastic teens, we start to embrace music, but only within the confines of what is deemed "cool". Older stuff is almost taboo, and anything resembling what the parents like, is definitely "out". The younger crowds are typically "locked in" a musical genre which is heavily dependent on their social circle and age, and only a break in the timeline of music or a new and unexpected influence can open them up to something new. This phenomenon was born out of our capacity to record music and so far, the birth of a new music genre every now and then seems inevitable, and these typically manifest like a "wave" in our social fabric, just like fashion trends and other fads.
As we age and evolve, we all tend to explore a few of the musical genres we encounter in our social circles, broadening interest. Eventually, though, most will stop exploring, and stick what plays on the car radio, or what on their phone. Sadly, once up at a certain age, many of us spend countless hours watching TV re-runs, and have forgotten the "art" sitting down, and just enjoying a music "ride".
Folk, jazz, R&B and other genres are having a bit of a revival recently. The rise of exceptional talents like Norah Jones, Amy Winehouse and Adele proves the power of real talent, and that real talent can still rise and stand out, even in the sea of auto-tuned and beat-box powered junk the music industry insists on producing these days. After listening to Adele's Royal Albert hall live performance of "Someone like you", even the staunchest purists of any genre cannot refute that a single Piano and a good voice can suffice to move people.
I'm a long time listener of instrumental music, both contemporary and classical. I also like jazz, and have recently been on a very long and enjoyable jazz binge. It's no small blessing, because time is a precious commodity these days. I thought I'd share some links for those of you with less time, offering an opportunity to discover some of my favorite older albums. This is stuff is mostly vinyl LPs inherited from my father. I am thankfull for it. There's a piece of audio history in there, and also an insight into the man's passions and tastes which he would never discuss openly. It also openned-up my musical horizons, which have become broad and rich, making music a soulfull experience, a soundtrack for my "life and times", something I never want to stop.
Dave Brubeck,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKNZqM0d-xo&list=PLB35C44F2FB28E90A
John Coltrane,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lr1r9_9VxQA
Sonny Rollins,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=TUP_P8ds0iU
Charles Mingus,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROZ2V6KLsLg&list=PLsl3WjKkzBEfEwpMSbLpwr4vPupPQTJ0x&index=1
Thelonious Monk,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=zriS77PCaTk