What is Jazz?

Jazz is American by nature. It is the music of not 1 people, but the music of all peoples. Black, White, Hispanic and Asian peoples have all contributed to the development of this highly advanced form of expression. Jazz is an emotional canvas in which composers and performers are able to paint feeling. Jazz can be happiness and sadness. Sarcasm and the utmost sincerity. Trust and distrust. Anger and fear.

 Many jazz enthusiasts believe that the only real music can come from a performance and of course jazz is performed to entertain. In order to be a successful performer, you must make the audience feel good.  From the dance bands of the 1930's to the small ensembles of the 1950's and 60's, every successful ensemble has had one aspect of their performance in common. In order to entertain the audience, the music must swing.

Swing is not one type of music. It means to flow. Swing can be described as digging into the "beat" or "tempo". These words describe the speed of the peace. A good performer can play with the speed, fluctuating it to add tension and release, adding even more feeling into the music. The harder to music swings, the more feeling, the more enjoyable this music is.

Whether the music is composed or improvised, it is ultimately up the performer to entertain. If the audience cannot relate by understanding or enjoying the many aspects of the music, than this music does not in fact "swing".

This is the Duke Ellington Band. We will get there later.