In school, I had to take a History of Jazz class to gain enough credits in my MusicGenEd to graduate. I went in thinking that I would mostly sleep through it, but I came out going, "Woooooooow. Coooooool. I never knew." Jazz, especially early Jazz and Blues, and how they developed, are just utterly fascinating.
I've never really liked jazz or the blues, to be honest, because I don't think I've ever really been exposed to anything that would allow me to come to know and appreciate them. I find them interesting in passing, but I know if I was really exposed to them I would find them as fascinating as you!
I've done a little internet research on Dixieland Jazz and how it developed as it rode the City north to Chicago, but beyond that, I don't profess to have any knowledge. I'd love to tap your brain sometime, especially to learn how jazz influences the kind of work you do :)
Yanno, it doesn't get to, much, because the kind of bending of the tone and free improv that's valued in jazz/blues is highly frowned upon in classical singing. BUT in other types of singing, it definitely has an influence. Have you heard Billie Holiday? Or Bessie Smith? I'm willing to send you a CD.
I downloaded a version of Holiday singing "Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans" but it was a little snap, crackle and pop-y. NPR had a special on her the other day on Fresh Air that I was trying to listen to but traffic was pretty busy and so I didn't get to pay too close attention. Do you know any tracks I should definately look into getting for myself?
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I've done a little internet research on Dixieland Jazz and how it developed as it rode the City north to Chicago, but beyond that, I don't profess to have any knowledge. I'd love to tap your brain sometime, especially to learn how jazz influences the kind of work you do :)
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