BEDA Day 8: Jazz Analysis

An interesting point came up in History of Jazz through Analysis today. Is it proper to use Western (white European) classical music analytical methods to examine jazz music, or does this approach constitute a misguided attempt to make the rhythms and other idiosyncrasies of jazz fit into invalid preexisting categories?

As with many issues, I come down somewhere in the middle about this. I recognize the danger of describing and eventually evaluating one culture's music (or arts or life in general) under the values and expectations of another.

On the other hand, musical analysis is quite flexible and, when used creatively, can give us a helpful framework for discussing music of any time and style. I say let the analysis go forward, but be careful of its implications as you interpret the work.

And now... I am being kicked out of the Music Library. Thanks!

BEDA Day 4: Django Reinhardt

One day ahead of time, since I'll be away until Sunday evening...

I'm currently deciding a paper topic for my History of Jazz through Analysis final paper. While Coltrane, free jazz, and other crazy developments of the 1960's are eminently intriguing, I've latched onto the playing of early jazz gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt (1910-1953).

If you've never heard this man play, check him out. I recommend any of the files here (a list of .ram downloads). That list is from redhotjazz.com, which also offers a pretty decent biography of Django.

Although redhotjazz.com doesn't have the audio, listen to his blazing solo work on Daphne (his own composition). You can download the entire album Djangology 49 as MP3s from Amazon for $10. Please pass his music around!