Jazz Appreciation Month
Lilly Kate Diaz ‘20
All About Jazz
I can probably spend hours, days, and even years (as I’m sure many other musicians and educators of jazz have spent) describing and defining what “Jazz” is. I found this really great clip and the people who are interviewed describe jazz and what it is to them (and its origins). All of their definitions, in my opinion, are correct!
Down at the National Museum of American History (NMAH) in Washington D.C., Jazz Appreciation Month (also known as “JAM”) was created there in April 2002. JAM’s intention is to stimulate and encourage people of all ages to participate in jazz, whether it was studying the music, attending concerts, listening to jazz, or reading books about jazz.
Jazz Appreciation Month 2017: Women in Jazz
As this year is the centennial of Ella Fitzgerald (A TALENTED SOUL), JAM 2017 is celebrating women in jazz. But though this year’s focus is on Women in Jazz, they have forgotten of the other wonderful artists in this genre, NMAH states, “Beyond the traditional female vocalist, there are also many great composers, arrangers, orchestrators, and instrumentalists who have and continue to leave an indelible print on the history and future of jazz.”
Ella Fitzgerald
For those of you who don’t know Ella Fitzgerald, here’s some cool facts/opinions about this talented singer:
- She was born in 1917 and passed away in 1996.
- Her nicknames included: “First Lady of Song” and “Lady Ella”
- Many believe that she was one of the greatest American singers in any genre of music.
- People described her voice as “warm and lovely”, and described her superb rhythmic sense, versatility, a great range (She was able to sing three and a half octaves!), meticulous intonation, and improvisatory gifts
- She recorded some two thousand songs in her lifetime.
Recommendations
Now, if you’re like Mia from La La Land who didn’t like Jazz at first, you should definitely check out the beautiful and expressive world that is Jazz. Jazz is made for everyone to enjoy! Here are a couple of songs that I love:
- Blue In Green by: Miles Davis
- Summertime by: Ella Fitzgerald
- Body and Soul by: Tony Bennett and Amy Winehouse
- I Loves You, Porgy by: Nina Simone
- Autumn In New York by: Billie Holiday
- On Green Dolphin Street by: Miles Davis
- Honestly, anything sung by Amy Winehouse (my favorite singer of all time).
USC @ Foshay
As an alumna from Foshay L.C., it’s super epic to see that USC has decided to collaborate with Foshay and their Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Vince Womack, to spend time and dedicate a day to Ella Fitzgerald and jazz (but of course, for the Foshay Jazz Ensemble, Jazz is always on their mind, 24/7).
And in case any of you would like to know more about jazz, check out Thornton School of Music, The Afro-Latin Jazz group we have on campus, and the California Jazz & Blues Museum provided by the Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center (it’s located at 4317 Degnan Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90008).
Last Thoughts
Jazz is just indescribably wonderful. If it had not been for my director, V. Womack, I’d probably be missing out on the lovely, musical realm. I think Jazz is the one genre that capture emotions in a way that’s surreal (I love other genres too, but Jazz has my heart in a way that the others don’t). When I think of Jazz, I think of the other branches (blues, ragtime, etc.) and how it has nurtured musicians and beings to explore different tastes and styles in music – and that? That makes me smile so much. So, if you’re looking for new songs to listen to or download, check out my recommendations, and if you don’t like those, go and explore other songs that’ll suit your taste! Don’t forget to appreciate Jazz! Yeah, that’s my college advice to you. Listen and appreciate jazz, friends. I promise you won’t regret it!
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