BLOG

“A Cry for Jazz (a reflection on art)” [11/28/2021]

Recently I watched “A Cry for Jazz” a short documentary by Edward O. Bland on the origins of jazz. It was informative and very interesting, but the video was also controversial when released in 1959. Some of the items discussed dealt with social and political issues, but I would like to refer to other comments made by Mr. Bland. He ascertained that the “jazz body is dead”, because the musical form and changes could no longer evolve in jazz. However, he maintained that the “spirit of jazz is alive.”

I recall a class discussion that had some of these elements from an art history course. The Professor was making the point of art going full circle from cave art’s geometric shapes and representation of form, then art that depicted realistic looking images, and back to breaking down forms once again such as Cubism. It was also mentioned that at the start of the 21st Century we are in the age of pluralism. Simply put art is now produced by following, or repeating all the trends that proceeded us in history. Now she didn’t say that art was dead, but that we should continue to create it’s in our nature as humans. In fact, 30 or so years from now scholars may coin a phrase that says this was the “such and such art period”.

When photographing I will admit that these sentiments are not on my mind. For me walking through the woods with my camera is very spiritual and contemplative. When I approach an image like “Swirl Rock” I become very excited at the possibility of photographing an image. I remember thinking if I placed the tripod leg’s just right and position the camera just so that maybe I can capture what I am visualizing when looking at this swirling rock. As I recall printing this image that if it didn’t convey my perception that’s alright, because this whole process to me was very therapeutic – “alive”.

In 1959 as Mr. Bland’s documentary came on the music scene it was quite coincidental that 4 Jazz albums (see below) were released that critics site as pivotal in music to this day. So, is “jazz dead” (is art dead), and do I want to know the answer to this question, NO! This is a job for the critics/scholars to ponder, because they have nothing else better to do with their time. So, is the “spirit of jazz alive” (is art alive) and the short answer to this is YES! Grab your camera, paint brush, pencil, or whatever medium you use go out in the world and be “alive” to create your art!

• Miles Davis – “Kind of Blue” explores the musical form of modal.

• Dave Brubeck Quartet – “Time Out” uses different time signatures.

• Charles Mingus – “Ah Um” brilliant use of compositions and arrangements.

• Ornette Coleman – The Shape of Jazz to Come” delves into the Avant Garde.