Due to previous knowledge in music and different styles and variations of music, and being a musician myself, I saw music as an emotional and interpretive art form that it both visual and audible. I have played various pieces of jazz and swing, yet I never took the time to look up the history of its origins. I was surprised to learn of its connection to african roots, the affect it had on society (especially black culture), and the progression and influence different music had on each other.
In this course I have definitely changed my perspective on the significance and influence jazz had on the United States and the rest of the world. From swing, an appeasing and well-liked form of music well received by audiences, to bebop, which drifted away from the idea of "the black entertainer" to the "individual artist celebrating black culture". I believe the most interesting theme of this course was definitely the meaning behind the music, especially the influence it had with race equality. Miles referenced an instance when "...some white gangsters [...] told B[ird] that had to go around to the back door like all the other black folks, he just ignored the mother fuckers and brought the whole band through the front door" (Miles 8). This showed the resistance to the ideology of white superiority and the confidence that the Bebop music instilled. By just doing this one act Bird set the tone that this newly formed style of music will focus on the individual and turn away from merely serving white patrons exactly what they expect.
Jazz is a collective compilation of different cultures and interpretations that come together to create a style of music that emanates so many various aspects. It is a style of music that conveys tradition, emotion, and the drive to improve social standards.
Comment: Neel Sabnis
