Today’s world of music is diverse, developing dynamically, and new styles are emerging. In order to navigate in it freely, to understand what is going on, it is necessary to know at least a brief history of jazz!
Today we are witnessing the mixing of more and more world cultures, bringing us ever closer to what is essentially already “world music”.
Today’s jazz incorporates sounds and traditions from virtually every corner of the globe. Including the African culture, with which it all began, is being rethought. European experimentalism with classical overtones continues to influence the music of young pioneers such as Ken Vandermark, an avant-garde saxophonist known for his work with such famous contemporaries as saxophonists Mats Gustafsson, Evan Parker and Peter Brotzmann. Other young musicians of a more traditional orientation who continue to search for their own identity include pianists Jackie Terrasson, Benny Green and Braid Meldoa, saxophonists Joshua Redman and David Sanchez and drummers Jeff Watts and Billy Stewart. The old tradition of sound continues and is actively supported by such artists as trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, who works with a whole team of assistants, plays in his own small bands and leads the Lincoln Center Orchestra. Pianists Marcus Roberts and Eric Reed, saxophonist Wes “Warmdaddy” Anderson, trumpeter Marcus Printup and vibraphonist Stephen Harris have grown into great masters under his patronage.
Bassist Dave Holland is also an excellent discoverer of young talent. Among his many discoveries are saxophonists Steve Coleman, Steve Wilson, vibraphonist Steve Nelson and drummer Billy Kilson.
Other great mentors of young talent include legendary pianist Chick Corea, and the late drummer Alvin Jones and singer Betty Carter. The potential for further development of this music at this time is great and varied. For example, saxophonist Chris Potter, under his own name, is releasing a mainstream release and simultaneously recording with another great avgardist drummer, Paul Motian.
We still have hundreds of great concerts and daring experiments to enjoy, witness the emergence of new directions and styles – this tale is not yet finished!
