FIRST HEARINGS IN JAZZ
Sir,-In reply to Mr Harris I would advise that I have already heard Leonard Bernstein’s "What is Jazz?" on two occasions-once from 2YD on the recommendation of his column and again from 3ZB on the following Sunday evening. However, this left me unconvinced in so far as Mr Harris’s usage of the word "jazz" is concerned, as it was solely an attempt by an American composer of serious music to discover the components and construction of jazz, and not its classification. Nevertheless, I seem to remember Mr Bernstein Saying something to this effect: "Jazz is a form of music in which the artists play in a relaxed manner producing simultaneous improvisation-this is what I like about jazz." Can Mr Harris honestly say that he is convinced that highpowered swing consists of simultaneous improvisation? The Oxford Dictionary describes jazz as "syncopated music of United States Negro origin," and once again I would inquire what Negro group ever afranged music when at that stage of their evolution few of them could read or write words, let alone music? Might I be permitted to make two suggestions to Mr Harris?-1: Change the title of his column to "Preview of Music for Moderns," or something to that effect. 2: Read Jazz, by Rex Harris, who was the 1949-50 Chairman of the National Federation of Jazz Organisations. This is available in a cheap edition from larger booksellers,
A. JOHN
SCOTT
(Christchurch).
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/periodicals/NZLIST19570510.2.19.3
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New Zealand Listener, Volume 36, Issue 926, 10 May 1957, Page 11
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240FIRST HEARINGS IN JAZZ New Zealand Listener, Volume 36, Issue 926, 10 May 1957, Page 11
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