The Blues-Jazz Aesthetic: Historical Conditions and Black Cultural Expression
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Although jazz had emerged out of the lived experiences of African-descended Americans during the early decades of the twentieth century, many white American musicians and entrepreneurs had appropriated swing jazz by the 1930s. Reflecting the structure of Jim Crow segregation across the landscape of America, large swing jazz bands often excluded black musicians, denying them the means to maintain economic self-sufficiency. Hence, as always in America, white supremacy, cultural appropriation, and capitalist exploitation were dynamic elements of a social structure of domination. Listen as Floyd Hayes discusses the concept of "Evil Modernism and the Meanings of Jazz". Do you know the lyrics to "A Dream Deferred" by Langston Hughes? If not, find them via Google. |
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QuickTime Mini-Lecture: |
In 1987, the US Congress passed a resolution declaring jazz "a rare and valuable treasure". The Smithsonian Jazz Oral History Program (JOHP) is committed to preserving jazz as the "most significant musical culture to emerge in the United States. Listen to:
Jazz, more than any other music, has been closely associated with the geographical, social, political, and economic affects of American cities as well as the fluctuating reputation of American culture throughout the world. Listen to each of following audio selections and write down your impressions (anything at all). In class, we will discuss your impressions (e.g, different instruments, rhythms, emotions, etc).
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Armstrong, Louis
Basie, Count
Ellington, Duke
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Hawkins, Coleman
Smith, Bessie
Young, Lester - Biography
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