Allison Miller and Ariana Sanderson 

April 4, 2024

Jazz – one of the most controversial music genres out there – is an emotive genre with an extensive history and prominent presence in traditional and modern music. This genre has humble origins in the heart of New Orleans, kicking off the early 20^th century with a fusion of blues and ragtime. Publisher Jazz Observer describes jazz as a “blending of African music and Caribbean music, later joined by marching band instruments.” Being an American born genre, jazz doesn’t shy away from creating cross-cultural connection. MusicalMum publisher Emily Hughes explains, “Jazz’s roots can be traced back to a combination of African rhythms, European harmonies, and the blues, creating a rich tapestry of sound emblematic of America’s diverse cultural heritage.”  

While most genres get you moving, jazz gets you thinking and feeling. Jazz, as an art form, has the power to make people feel like they’re floating on air. Zora Neale Hurston describes the feeling of jazz as a rambunctious orchestra in her short story, “How it feels to be Colored Me.” She lovingly describes jazz as a genre that makes her feel like running through a jungle, and dancing uncontrollably. While the significance of jazz may vary from person to person, jazz has stood the test of time, opening the floor for musical innovation and experimentation, and providing listeners with a sense of release from the mundane.  

The Philadelphia Free Library hosted a free jazz concert at their central branch. This free event was a Herby Hancock tribute, with solos inspired by Freddy Hubber and John Coltrane. Herby Hancock started off as a child piano prodigy, inspired by artists like Oscar Peterson and Bill Evans. He played with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra when he was 11 and his passion for music grew from there. He was ‘discovered’ in 1960 by Donald Bird, and a few years later, released his debut first album, Takin’ Off, which was an instant success. His legacy as a trumpeter redefined the meaning of jazz into what it is today. Freddy Hubber, another trumpeter in this performance, came up around that same time, and is known for his legendary trumpet virtuoso.  

Supporting musicians in this performance include Donovan on drums, cello, and Robin on saxophone. Each player brings a different energy to the table. Each instrument’s sound was intermingled, resulting in a dynamic, complex stream of music that can only be described as the heart of contemporary jazz.  Becoming ‘one with the music’ involves acknowledging the transition of each instrument having their ‘time in the spotlight’. Don’t let the sound of any single instrument distract you from the big picture; the accompanying players are just as important as the center. The percussion laid the foundation for the rhythm, with bass leading like a steady heartbeat for the players to rely, and the drums to control. The horns are siblings; they playfully banter. The saxophone trills with the cadence of a low register dance, and the trumpet sings orchestra soprano, alive, with high energy. With every interjection from the trumpet, the saxophone is the voice of reason. With the conversational horns and heartbeat of the percussion, one could discover a newfound humanity to jazz in this lucky, local experience.  

The event was casual; between rounds of applause rippling through the audience, they shared laughs, winks, and the occasional joke. People came and went, the artists took water breaks and fixed technical difficulties, and between sets, the trumpet player explained the songs they were attributing. When interviewing Robin, the sax player, he expressed that jazz was “nothing short of a language to communicate through.” He emphasized that “jazz is about creating the experience between listener and musician, and that the conversational approach is what keeps him playing.” It was made clear to us then; the reason behind the band players’ chemistry was their musical talents, exemplified by their expertise in the jazz genre.

One of the sets they played took me back to being in my godmother’s house over ten years ago. I could feel the carpet beneath my feet, smell the air in the room, almost taste the French toast she used to make. Some of our youngest audience members experienced a similar state of transduction, specifically with the drummer’s playing. First, a little blonde girl was hypnotized to the stage, mere inches away from the musician, watching every movement the drummer made. Her assertiveness made audience members chuckle, but the drummer was gracious enough to let her borrow one of the drumsticks so she could accompany him. Near the end of the performance, another child warmed everyone’s hearts; a dark-haired 5-year-old boy came up and stood in front of the drums. Drummer Donovan, handed the boy a stick and he concentrated very hard on his new job: keeping time. The young boy, alongside the musicians, made it all the way through the set; and the band closed out with the musicians graciously thanking everyone for joining. 

I leave you with one request; do not miss the opportunity to experience a live jazz show. Always check out the local events, especially the free events typically held at the Free Library of Philadelphia. Do not shy away from accessing the valuable resources made available to those who have a card. I wish you all a late tribute to Black History Month.