Disappearing Jazz?

If you are into Bill Evans try Tardo Hammer and Enrico Pierannunzi

bigquery

You are on the right path. Now, start with the year 1959. The Best and most important year in Jazz history.

Happy Listening!

As has been stated, Jazz is alive and well.

Now, I think part of what may be shaping your sense of the state of and availability of Jazz is shown by your reference to “traditional Jazz”. What exactly is that? There is a tremendous amount of Jazz being recorded that doesn’t necessarily fit that mold. Another vote for the “Jazz For Aficionados” thread.

Curious, I just posted a record (Larry Young “Unity”). Fantastic record. Curious what you think of it and whether you think it’s “traditional” Jazz. No judgment intended, but a way to better understand. Someone who loves Stephen Sondheim (as do I) might find a lot to like in a lot of the post-“traditional” stuff.

There is tons of jazz out there on CD and streaming services. Some (but not all) of it requires stretching one’s tastes. That’s not easy to do in middle age and beyond -- but it can bring a lot of musical pleasure, and I think it’s got to help the brain stay younger.

But even without too much stretching, consider Ron Carter, the most recorded jazz bassist ever -- about 2300 recordings (including some with Miles) and still going strong at 85. A fabulous bassist, with a solid, beautiful tone and who plays just the notes that sound great and interesting, and nothing more. There is a PBS American Masters show about him, well worth watching. And if you want to hear his music, just look on any streaming service or YouTube or probably even Wikipedia to find albums to try. Among other things, I like his Chesky album with Rosa Passos.

For older (mostly dead) singers, consider adding Betty Carter, Carmen McRae, Abbey Lincoln, and Shirley Horn to your list. For newer (mostly living) singers, try Dave Tull, Champian Fulton, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Tierney Sutton.

If you really want to get adventurous and you have an uninterrupted hour to spend, listen to The Adornment of Time by Tyshawn Sorey and Marilyn Crispell, both incredible artists. I found the time and effort amply rewarded.

Jazz is not disappearing. It is progressing.

If demand for jazz is reducing, so will be supply of new jazz.

The few modern artists I have heard are not a match for the greats from the 50s thru the 70s.

Like many, for me most jazz is noodling (thank you FZ).