All That Jazz!
When anyone asked me about music I tend to
say Jazz is my favoured genre but my answer is both dishonest and ill-informed!
“The
term jazz or jass derives from a Creole word that means both
African dance and copulation.”
So we
could say, literally, Jazz comes with Jizz or visa versa!
I like all sorts of music from 15th
century Renaissance to current popular genres but, when asked, I still, usually
say… Jazz!
This style of
music originated in New Orleans at the beginning g of 20th century
and has since developed through, and is forever transient because of, the use
of improvisation and the sheer melodic freedom it provides.
It ranges
from a simple type of diatonic; five tones and two semitones to an almost
esoteric, chromatic, bedlam which involves modifying normal scales with the use
of accidentals. This basically gives
Jazz musicians the right of way to do whatever the hell they like and sometimes
I have to cover my eyes and ears.
I’m not a fan
of Scat which is, I think, when singers imitate instruments through the use of voice. I’d much rather hear the voice and the
instrument in harmony. For me, a voice
could never replicate the sound of a Saxophone for instance. The exact way in which Scat come about is unknown but there are many urban Myths.
One of these
being when Lois Armstrong, “described how, in the middle of the tune he dropped
the lyric sheet and was forced to improvise horn-like lines, built on wordless
syllables, with his voice." Like
any oral history this is disputable but seemingly there is a tape somewhere
with a recording of the performance.
So, how can
we actually define Jazz?
The regular
use of forceful rhythm, what’s not to like about that? Dixieland, blues, swing, bebop, violin,
piano, guitar, violin or drums? The range within this genre is immeasurable and
immensely innovative.
Variety is
the spice of life but I know, within my soul, that it’s the blowing, sweating,
breathless and magical sound and vision of the Sexy Saxophone that does it for
me.
“Give me the
Sax and I’ll deliver!” could be my tagline!
The sound of
this instrument does something to my brain that overtakes my being and
transforms me into a 1920s minxy flapper!
These ladies, for me, were the epitome of class and temptation. If you gave them the Jazz they would
certainly promise the Jizz!
I don’t like
to put things in boxes or apply labels but I do know what I like when I
experience it! Sometimes it’s bedlam and
at others it’s smooth.
Last night I
was in Guy’s in Merchant city and there was, what seemed like, a very
unassuming couple doing their thing at the piano. Turns out that the lady was Alyson Orr;
actress and one third of The Swing Cats.
The ‘boy’ playing the piano was David Farrell who is a self-taught
musician who has ‘the most delicate touch on the ivories’.
Their sound
was understated and for me was class, personified in music!
Smooth!
I felt very
privileged to sit there drinking coffee with a good friend, after a very fabulous
dinner, to be entertained by such talent on a wonderous, Thursday evening in
the city I love.
See you the
next time!
Rx
To book at table at Guy"s click o the link below!
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