[Dixielandjazz] Definition of Jazz

[Ken Mathieson]

Hi All,

The excerpt (below) from David Jasen's article reminds me of a definition of jazz as "being just another way of playing music." Not the most informative definition, but as good as most. Does anyone recollect the source of that quotation?

Regards,

Ken Mathieson
www.classicjazzorchestra.org.uk 

***begin snip

"Unlike ragtime, jazz is not a form of music. Jazz is defined not by  
what is played but by how it is played. Jazz music is that which is  
played by a jazz musician. It only exists by virtue of the musician or  
group of musicians creating it. The main elements contain either solo  
or collective improvisation on a theme to make variations combining a  
manner of phrasing which expresses individuality through timing. The  
piece can be any kind of tune or in any style. Rags, marches, dances,  
classical compositions, popular tunes ? all can be and are played by  
jazz bands and soloists. Since jazz is not a form but an  
interpretation based on some type of form, this accounts for the  
endless different sounds of jazz, whether it be Muskrat Ramble  
orGroovin? High. It is nonsense to say that these tunes played by  
jazzmen bear any resemblance to each other. When played by jazz  
musicians, these tunes become jazz. When they are played as written,  
they are no longer jazz but straight compositions."

***end snip