The jazz medium tries very hard to assert its relevance and importance in the world. Why?
Am I missing out on something?
For example, there’s a book called How to Listen to Jazz, written by acclaimed music scholar Ted Gioia—who has also written several books on jazz, blues, and other forms of music. What’s interesting about this book is that it picks apart the various elements of jazz music, and directly suggests—almost instructs—how those elements are to be listened to, in order for jazz to be “understood.” To me, that‘s a very interesting premise. Why does such a book have to exist? Is jazz really that complex a medium that it requires a handbook to be correctly interpreted and listened to? No wonder jazz’s reputation has always been so problematic.
Don’t get me wrong. How to Listen to Jazz is a very interesting book, for those who already have an appreciation, and some level of understanding, for the medium. I just finished chapter 3, “The Structure of Jazz”, and I found it very enjoyable, even a bit instructive. I’ve been listening to, and loving, jazz since I was an awkward, nerdy teenager—no instruction book is really necessary for me. But I kinda doubt that someone who doesn’t already have a general appreciation will gain one from reading this book.