THE FUTURE OF JAZZ

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 95, 16 January 1926, Page 15

THE FUTURE OF JAZZ

ITS IRRESISTIBLE RHYTHM I am one of those who jtliink that jazz will never die! No doubt many will say that I anjust one of those people afflicted with modern musical raaduess, axid that jazz will pass as quickly as it came, writes Beatrice Lillie, in the “Daily Chronicle.” But surely there is sound reason, for believing that jazz will not die, that is because everyone wants it! Already quite half the country has learned that jazz is the essence of rhythm, and that human nature craves for rhythm m everything. The other half still clings to the part of the conservative critic, declaring jazz to be a revolutionary reaction, an after-effect of war, and a positively pagan propensity displayed by distorted musical minds.

It certainly provided a reaction after terrible strain, but had we not been so suspicious of innovations we should have had jazz,, as many’ other countries did, long before 1914. As it was, it camo at a time when so-called “popular” music was getting deadly dull and ultrarefined. Jazz came, and jazz conquered, for we found it very good. It delighted us, because it gave us irresistible rhythm, and brought fresh pleasure and vigour into our existence. When I recollect the first ragtimes 1 admit they appear rather crude, but the essential rhythm was there. We have improved the quality without altering the essence, and jazz deserves praise, not criticism, for it has brought millions of middle-aged and shy people to the dance floor, and gives them a pleasure in dancing that the old music failed to provide. I do not think that jazz will ever displace or even prejudice the standing of classical music. It will never encroach upon its preserves, but surely there is ample room, and need, for both. I defy anyone not to feel an inward urge to dance when hearing a good jazz band. It is just as natural as falling info step when a march is played, for both are natural instincts. You may say that 1 here is nothing in jazz. Probably nothing ever written in this sphere will challenge- the immortality of the master musicians, nor any single composition last ten years; but what of Hint? Are we to condemn every pleasure that does not last a lifetime or benr the mark of immortality? Tt would he a’ sorry existence if we did.

No. jazz is a delightful innovation, and has brought pleasure to millions, so T see no reason why it should not continue. We have plenty of room for purveyors of genuine and harmless pleasure. especially’ if they supply a natural want.

We have long since satisfied our longing for rhythm in action, snoech, and art. Now that we have found real rhythm in music, let us cling to it and draw overv ounce of plyasure from it.