Have we really heard the Death Knell of jazz?
The death knell of Jazz sounded when it became formally institutionalized in academia. With that it ceased being a music of the streets and relevant to the people. Instead, it became something lofty and exclusive. Wynton Marsalis is but one example of the mindset inculcated into the minds of the beneficiaries of ‘higher education’.
This was a comment made in response to this alarming post. Aside from the ubiquitous Kenny G joke, this article told nothing new at the time of its writing and only furthers the trench-digging of those in the jazz community who refuse to be a part of the new musical economy.
This does not have to be “us vs. them.” Wynton’s got a great thing going on. As long as I don’t let him define jazz for me (and I know I’m not the only one), he can only harm those looking for him to harm them. As for academia, I’m still on the fence.
Tags: academia, blog, comment, deathk nell, wynton marsalis
I was so shock to read your title, thank God it’s just a joke
Sorry for the scare, mitub. While I don’t really care for KG at all, I certainly don’t consider that a reason to shoot him!
Please keep coming back for more alarming titles.