Is This Jazz?

Ever since I first started listening to jazz, I’ve been on an hopeless quest to define it. I would tear through every album I had trying to decipher the message, get as much into my brain as I could, and figure out how it all connected. When you have such a wide range of musicians and cultures mixing together on the bandstand though, it can be hard to make the association and even more difficult to see how two songs that sound diametrically opposed could be filed under one label. That is jazz’s blessing and its curse. It defies you to explain it, to define it and put it in a box. People even debate whether the word “jazz” is worthy. But all that deification blurs the reality of what this is: music for the people.

Jazz is America’s greatest cultural export because so much of it exemplifies what we’ve come to know and think of our culture. Its history is dark and soaked in painful realities, but its voice speaks of hope and joy. People of all colors and customs have lent their spirits to its sound and have blended their talents together to transform and strengthen it. The theory we abide by grounds it and gives us a forum to communicate within, but without improvisation it wouldn’t be the vessel for discovery that it was always meant to be. Plus, this shit grooves, man!

This is social music. These are songs by and for the people. Within them lies the heartbreak and triumph we all face. While some may contain complexities that seem beyond comprehension, at the core of it all is the blues and soul that encapsulates the human experience. We are creatures with diverse intellect and emotion, and it all resides in this music, as long as you’re willing to swing.

It is my contention that no matter who you are, there is a slice of jazz that you will dig. Since jazz has recently waned in its diffusion into popular culture you may have yet to experience it, but it’s out there. In a city that calls itself the “Creative Capitol” I see it as a tragedy of circumstance that we have to fight to maintain jazz’s relevance within our borders, seeing as how there is no greater creative art that has been so ubiquitous in a now global community. We must change this. So here is my pledge to whoever reads this, that I will speak only to you. This is not only for academia or virtuosos, this is for all of us. Let this be our place to talk Coltrane and Mingus, to debate big band and bebop, to explore a music so many of us cherish and so many more have yet to realize their love for. We have a lot to cover, so let’s figure it out.

Every article about jazz you read wants to declare its demise. However, if you really look around you see a vastly different picture. Even in a small state like ours the scene is vibrant and growing. For those who want to experience the joy that jazz will bring, check out this brief selection of regular gigs happening around town:

The John Allmark Jazz Orchestra Mondays @ The Met (Pawtucket)

This big band composed of local New England talent has been tearing down stages for 25 years. Come see them at their new home swinging and burning through the best charts around.

Is This Jazz? First Friday, bimonthly @ AS220 (Providence)

For over four years this event has presented some of the best local and national musicians from all styles and approaches. Stop by on June 3 to check out local masters Kyoshii and the Ed Tomassi Group. Visit isthisjazz.tumblr.com for more info.

Joe Potenza Fridays @ Tarragon Bar (Providence)

The hippest night in town every week is found over on Westminster, lead by bassist Joe Potenza, and featuring some the best the Northeast has to offer.

Jazz Jam Tuesdays @ Ten Rocks (Pawtucket)

Keyboard wonder Jhony Keys leads the house band through all manner of jazz. Be sure to bring your axe with you so you can grab some stage time with some of the best players in town.

The Parlour Jazz Jam Last Thursday each month @ The Parlour (Providence)

The only jam in town that was designed to be a haven for players of all levels to come in and showcase their skills.

Groove Merchants Mondays @ Fifth Element (Newport)

A bit south of the city, but for those craving that funky feeling, trumpet master Doug Wolverton and the gang are there to hook you up.

Leland Baker Quartet Sundays @ Fete

Local tenor saxophonist Leland Baker has put together a bombastic cast of up-and-coming musicians that together create some of the most killing music in town.

And if it’s jazz you want, there’s nothing better than the legendary Newport Jazz Festival that runs from July 29 to the 31. This historic festival has made a permanent mark on jazz music and culture, and continues to innovate well into its 62nd year. So much so, that The Dorris Duke Charitable Foundation just granted the festival $100,000 to aid the immense work it does in helping emerging and established artists, and create more opportunities for their development and exploration. Come down to Fort Adams in Newport to catch all the top jazz figures on the scene today. From legendary musicians Chick Corea, Norah Jones and Charles Lloyd, to young lions like Kamasi Washington, Robert Glasper and even the University of Rhode Island Big Band. Dig the rest of this killer line up and cop some tickets at newportjazzfest.org.

Ben Shaw is a local composer, performer, writer, entrepreneur and podcaster. Dig into his works at ahueofshaw.tumblr.com.