Jazz - For and Against

I was chatting to a buddy on the weekend, and he mentioned that he didn't "get" Jazz. Fair enough I thought, maybe he never gave it a go, maybe he associates Jazz with experimental fusion, or beat. Then I realised that I was talking to a man who I KNOW understands music. He likes Hip Hop (as well as a huge swag of other music) He actually REVIEWS music. Theres no reason not to at least appreciate some Jazz. I thought I'd explore this concept a little - Why should someone with a varied musical background write off a huge branch of music.

1. Jazz can be weird.

No Doubt. I actually listened to Miles Davis fusion behemoth last night - Bitches Brew. I've listened to it several times, and I'm probably only just coming round. I enjoy it at times, but its hardly accessible. Despite Miles making some of the better Jazz of the last 40 years, helping to bring be-bop out of swing, and make jazz that was still relevant in the burgeoning music scene of the 60's. In the 70's he just plain old went weird. To the uneducated this would be an obstacle, but plenty of music goes weird. Rock turned all Hair Metal in the 80's. Hip Hop still seems caught up in Crunk. Trance and Electro used to be Happy Hardcore. Weird doesn't mean its not good.

2. Jazz is dead.

OK so thats just plain wrong. "Straight" jazz may not be so popular currently, but its still around. A lot of the better hip-hop comes from jazz. Jazzanova, Blue Note Trip, Shades of Blue, and The Verve Remix all push forward the genre, albeit with a more modern, dancey slant. You've just got to listen to Café Del Mar or St Germain to here where jazz lives in the contemporary realm.

3. Jazz turned to shit in the 80's

...and for that Kenny G must be punished. Every second prick in a band was hiring a saxophonist to make up numbers, but that ain't Jazz. Thats rock with some prick on a Sax.

4. Jazz isn't cutting edge.

Jazz by its very definition is cutting edge. Check out the latest break-beats. Check out Madlib. Check out Giles Peterson. Jazz is fucking cool.

5. I just don't get it.

Theres no argument against this. For me, I just don't get Opera. But I say, give it a go. Jazz is worthwhile and rewarding.



Besides... what do you think Fat Freddies Drop are influenced by? Huh?