[Dixielandjazz] Jazz? Tunes or Language?

[Steve Barbone]

> May I suggest that at least part of the definition refers to what it is
> NOT. If the number does not a melody which can be whistled or hummed, it is
> not jazz.
 
>> Wrong. Jazz is a language.
>> Any tune can be played in that language.
>> Understanding the language is the hard part.

>>> Ah! But if it is a "tune," it has a melody by definition.

Semantic disagreement.

Why? Who can define a melody that can be whistled or hummed? How many jazz
fans do we know that are incapable of whistling or humming even the simplest
tunes. And how many jazz fans do we know that can whistle or hum complex
tunes that others can't?

How many times must we hear "Coltrane is not Jazz, but Bix is". Or other
similar nonsense. Is it our egos that prevent us from realizing that jazz is
like a huge house with many different rooms. And there is room for all.

Someday, perhaps the fans will quit telling the musicians what jazz is or
isn't. Someday perhaps the musicians will stop venting to the press about
what jazz is or isn't. Wouldn't it be nice if all of the self appointed
experts quit foisting their narrow minded definitions upon the rest of us?
It will never happen.

I'm with Brian (I think he said Jazz is a language). Jazz is a complex
language. And like any language, some understand only the basics, while
others understand the nuances. Some speak jazz with the simple harmonics of
regular folks. 0thers speak it with the complex harmonics of a William
Buckley Jr. Big difference and there is audience for both depending upon
ones level of understanding.

Like "Copenhagen" or "Panama" is jazz. Yet how many listmates can whistle or
hum the whole tune? So to is "Giant Steps", jazz. Who among us can whistle
or hum that?

What is Jazz? . . . Jazz is music to YOUR/OUR ears.

YOU are jazz. And Brian is Jazz. And I am Jazz. Etc.. When any of us tries
to make our personal definition of Jazz fit everyone else in the world, we
will fail miserably.

Cheers,
Steve Barbone