Re: [microsound] jazz and race

[Data General <btausig@xxxxxxxxx>]

The brilliance of jazz from a cultural perspective, is that it brings
together historically white and historically black perspectives and
musical approaches.  Neither the European nor the African influence in
jazz can be credibly denied.  Of course, jazz changed immensely over time,
perhaps improvising macrocosmically much as its musicians did in
performing.

There is no question that laptop music, or modern experimental electronic
music in general, has a similar history.  Unfortunately any change, any
fresh musical culture, will be accused of co-optation, and that will often
spark racial controversy, because racial controversy is latent in this
country anyway, and people are extremely protective of what they see as
their cultural birthrights. The image of laptop music may indeed evoke
white men, but don't doubt that black electronic musicians male and female
are cognizant of and actively using the same technological tools, and many
of them would dispute the notion that laptop music 'belongs' to whites.

Perhaps the aesthetics of live performance differ, but I know plenty of
black electronic musicians, working today and selling records, who
use laptops in their compositions.  I really do think that electronic
music is, culturally, entirely comparable to what jazz was in the United
States in the early 20th century.  It's a brilliant synthesis of nearly
international scope.

Ben Tausig

On Tue, 3 Jun 2003, Peter Becker wrote:

> I disagree with Kurt here on the race issue (re: jazz) .
>
> Jazz is indeed thoroughly -rooted- in the experience of being black in
> America. I think it is less and less these days and many scholars ( jazz and
> otherwise ) would probably agree. However, jazz' Black American root does
> not preclude anyone of any race/culture from listening/ experiencing/
> playing it. I listen to a variety of music deeply rooted in many cultures
> from my own...can I only truly embrace a musical culture if I am part of its
> culture? Can I, as a white American male, not gain a worthy experience from
> listening to Qawaali music? Nordic Metal? Bluegrass? Anthony Braxton?
> Those all have traditional roots far from my culture but I see, and listen,
> beyond that.
>
> Laptop music, to me, should not be limited to the confines of "being White
> and in Front Of A Computer" as much as jazz should not be limited to the
> confines of being black in America.
>
> I do agree that laptop "being the new folk" -is- a ridiculous pursuit  as
> are all soundbitten marketing catch phrases.  This kind of culture tagging
> is just another way to sell records.
>
> Peter
>
> np: rain, tonkatsu noodles on the stove, my daughter falling asleep
>
>
>