"I don't like freedom jazz - I think it's void of roots and void of foundation"
- George Shearing
About this Quote
This quote from the well-regarded jazz pianist George Shearing encapsulates a critical viewpoint on a subgenre of jazz known as totally free jazz. Shearing's declaration reveals an ingrained concern about the perceived lack of structure and historic grounding in free jazz, a category that emerged in the late 1950s and 1960s as an extreme departure from previous jazz forms.
Free jazz is characterized by its emphasis on improvisation, a lack of repaired chord changes, and an overall rejection of standard harmony and rhythm. It seeks to break away from standard musical restraints, using musicians the flexibility to explore and express novel noises and concepts. Nevertheless, this really liberty that is commemorated by its advocates is typically viewed as troublesome by its critics.
Shearing's remark, "I think it's void of roots and void of foundation," suggests a belief that free jazz does not have a connection to the historic and musical customs that have specified jazz. Jazz, as a genre, has deep roots in African American culture and music, progressing over years through blues, swing, bebop, and other designs. These roots supply not simply a historic context however likewise a framework that notifies and motivates development. Shearing appears to argue that by deserting these foundations, complimentary jazz loses a crucial element of its identity.
Moreover, "devoid of structure" might suggest a perceived lack of technical or compositional structure. Jazz, even in its more experimental kinds, typically balances liberty of expression with technical prowess and a deep understanding of musical theory. In Shearing's view, complimentary jazz may sacrifice this balance, leading to music that feels directionless or doing not have coherence.
In conclusion, George Shearing's quote shows a hesitation toward totally free jazz's relatively anarchic technique to music-making, highlighting the value of maintaining a connection to the genre's rich history and theoretical underpinnings. While complimentary jazz seeks freedom from restraints, Shearing's viewpoint highlights a belief that tradition and structure are important to the credibility and depth of jazz music.
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