"Jazz does not belong to one race or culture, but is a gift that America has given the world." — Jazz Saxophonist, Ahmad Alaadeen

Most of us do not consider our music a political statement, but Jazz has been called the purest expression of American Democracy. It is music built on individualism and compromise, independence and cooperation. Originally, jazz was improvised dance music that was built on group interplay. Through the years, and development of many different styles, those are still the qualities that define jazz. As a musical language of communication, jazz is the first indigenous American style to affect music in the rest of the world. From the beat of ragtime syncopation and driving brass bands to soaring gospel choirs mixed with field hollers and the deep down growl of the blues, jazz's many roots are celebrated almost everywhere in the world.

The name "Dixieland" was most likely derived from the Original Dixieland Jazz Band, a New Orleans group that made the first publicly available recording of this style of music in 1917. The recording was very popular and the band gained international prominence as a result. Following the rise of Dixieland jazz in the 1920s, was a new style performed by a larger ensemble. These bands, called Big Bands, relied increasingly on saxophones instead of clarinets, and emphasized sectional playing. It was also a time when vocalists came to the forefront.

As jazz evolved, highly arranged dance music became the norm. Early jazz styles began to move into the Swing or Big Band period. Large jazz bands toured the United States filling the radio airwaves with swing, a term which became synonymous with jazz.

Our next two club meetings will feature many of our favorite local musicians, and we will be visiting many of the jazz styles played by the Big Bands of the 30's and 40's and 50's. So put on your dancin' shoes and come join us.

Please help keep live music alive. Help us preserve this rich and fascinating aspect of our American History. See you all and the October Club Meeting!