FIRST HEARINGS IN JAZZ

New Zealand Listener, Volume 36, Issue 927, 17 May 1957, Page 11

FIRST HEARINGS IN JAZZ

Sir-Is your correspondent A. John Scott aware that the meanings of words constantly change? He is quite entitled to hold whatever view of the meaning of the word "jazz" he feels fit, but to condemn others for using a more widely accepted" meaning is a bit tough. I could quote hundreds of examples where, the word is used in difference senses to that used by Mr Scott, and I’m sure Ray Harris could do so too. The Pocket Oxford Dictionary gives "Jazz: syncopated music and dance of U.S.-Negro origin," which is a considerably wider definition than Mr Scott’s, and I should think, considerably wider than that advanced by people who appreciate jazz; but it goes to show that no one should be guilty of forcing his personal view down another’s throat. In his book Jazz Americana, Woody Woodward says: "Frenchmen call it le Jazz Hot. If you want a hot argument just ask two or more enthusiasts to de- | fine it for you." As this correspondence shows, he is quite correct. In my opinion, to limit "jazz" to the traditional styles and their imitators, is as absurd as to limit "music" to the Gregorian Chant or some such thing, but I still realise Mr Scott is quite entitled to hold his own opinion, as Ray Harris is entitled to hold his. May I quote Through the Looking Glass? "When /[ use a word,’ Humpty Dumpty said, in rather a scornful tone, "it means just what I choose it to mean-neither more nor less.’* : : "The question is," said Alice, "whether her can make words mean so many different "The question is," said Humpty Dumpty, "which is to be Master-that’s all." And much as Mr Scott would like to, he can’t build his own wall and then push Mr Harris off it!

THISTLEHEAD

(Christchurch).