Gypsy Jazz Perspectives: The Art-form and its Socio/Political Implications with Suzahn Fiering

Gypsy Jazz music today is an ever-growing, world-wide phenomenon, realized by resurgence from both musicians and fans alike. Like American Jazz, its history is steeped in the desire to rise above social conflict, economic hardship, discrimination, and pain. It is flowered by the influence of many cultures from many continents, and blossomed by the individual uniqueness of expression. Gypsy Jazz is most commonly associated with the Belgian born guitarist composer Django Reinhardt, who rose to Fame in Paris after the 2nd world War. It is often associated with a romanticized view of French culture. As American jazz evolved and matured, influenced by events on the western side of the Atlantic, like a little sibling tagging behind, jazz began to evolve on the eastern side of the Atlantic. The cultural connection is undeniable. Without American Jazz, there would be no Gypsy Jazz, and in return, America has embraced the Franco-European influence with open arms, particularly the era which gave birth to Gypsy Jazz. The story of Gypsy Jazz is important to tell not only because of its historical impact, but because of the remarkable celebration between not only the US and France, but across the globe. It’s a fun and fascinating to look at how historical events have affected the music. From a historical perspective Gypsy Jazz is spurned from a metamorphosis from caravans and bonfires, to the clubs of Paris, to the Gypsy genocide in the 2nd World War, to the reconstruction of Europe, and the African American influence. There are many collaborators and cultures involved in it’s evolution. Gypsy Jazz has slightly different instrumentation, rhythmic, and basic harmonic structures, and many similarities and differences, to the Great American Songbook. This presentation is sponsored by the Nashville Gypsy Jazz & Django Festival - 9/21. Audio samples will be provided.