One of the most endearing things about playing jazz, or trying to play jazz, is the community that you find yourself in. Jazz musicians embrace new players in various ways, through jam sessions, through educational programs, through regular events like summer jazz camps and other programs for aspiring players. With hardly any exception, jazz is welcoming.
For example, my podcast partner Kevin Bales, as part of his work with the Junior Jazz Foundation of Hilton Head Island, recently led a group of talented young musicians he labeled the “Rising Stars” in an October concert at a The Velvet Note, a jazz venue just north of Atlanta.
“This performance offers a rare opportunity to witness the future of jazz in action,” Bales wrote, “featuring some of the most promising young musicians from the Southeast, handpicked for their exceptional talent and passion. The Rising Stars bring an exciting energy and fresh perspective to the music, blending tradition with innovation.”
At a concert at Atlanta’s Spivey Hall saxophonist Matt Miller and I covered October 6 for the online music publication, EarRelevant, the master of ceremonies commended the school jazz band that opened the evening and pointed to the importance of supporting young aspiring players. “We support our football players and basketball players like heroes,” he told the audience. “We need to provide the same support to our young artists.”
Most of the best jazz musicians I’ve come in contact with are also teachers. At universities and high schools, as well as through private lessons as well as online demonstrations, they offer insights and inspiration to players trying to learn the craft—and that goes for older as well as younger players. In fact, that goes for accomplished players as well as those just learning to play; even the finest seek out other players they can learn from—and because jazz is based on innovation there are many innovators to learn from.
Perhaps the willingness, no, the determination, to bring new players into the jazz community stems from the concern that because jazz plays to a limited audience the musicians need to do whatever they can to keep it alive. The fact is that jazz is more ubiquitous than ever; it even works its way into other musical genres. That’s great for all music. And it’s a trend that is likely not only to continue but to grow, as jazz musicians everywhere have made their voices clear: “Welcome to the community.”
By Mike Shaw