Phenex Schwarz-Ward Full Capstone Recital 4-13-25 скачать в хорошем качестве

Phenex Schwarz-Ward Full Capstone Recital 4-13-25

Transcending Time: A Jazz Odyssey Phenex Schwarz-Ward Defining 21st Century Jazz: Rhythm, Timbre, Emotion, and History in Shaping Contemporary Identity Jazz, as a genre, has undergone dramatic changes over the years, from its origins in the early 20th century to the present day. With new generations of musicians continuing to push the boundaries of sound, rhythm, and form, the question arises: What is Jazz today? Historically, Jazz was defined by specific elements such as swing rhythm, improvisation, and blues inflection. However, as modern musicians experiment with electronic effects, cross-genre fusion, and unconventional time signatures, the genre’s boundaries have become increasingly fluid. This project explores the evolving definition of Jazz in the 21st century by focusing on key elements such as rhythm, timbre, emotional expression, and historical context. Through interviews with contemporary Jazz musicians and an analysis of their responses, this study will attempt to answer a key question: How can we define Jazz in the 21st century, and what role do rhythm, timbre, emotional expression, and historical context play in shaping its contemporary identity? To investigate this topic effectively, I have combined qualitative research with creative musical components. I have conducted a series of interviews with five contemporary jazz musicians, including Grammy Award-winning bassist Rufus Reid, composer and drummer Ayman Abi Kheir, multiple award-winning drummer Tripp Bratton, Louisville’s very own woodwind specialist Meghan Pund, and award-winning singer Carly Johnson. Each interview focused on how they conceptualize the genre, specifically around the following elements: rhythm, timbre, feeling, and history. In conjunction with the interviews, I have composed a four-movement jazz suite inspired by the insights gathered from these musicians. Titled Transcending Time: A Jazz Odyssey, the suite consists of: Movement I – Mourning to Motion, Movement II – Vibra Callejera, Movement III – Between the Silence, and Movement IV – Cosmic Voyage, and performed by: Phenex Schwarz-Ward, saxophone, Jakobie Kindle, trumpet, Aiden Shimodaira, piano/keys, Jayson Zorn, guitar, Asan Ismankulov, bass, and Kenny Tayce, drums. Each movement reflects the unique perspectives and experiences shared by the interviewees. The suite incorporates specific rhythms, timbres, and emotional qualities mentioned in the interviews, blending elements of the Jazz tradition with more contemporary, experimental ideas, and a mixture of traditional and modern instrumentation. By combining both research and creative work, this project provides a nuanced, experiential working definition of what Jazz means today. What I have found through this process is that Jazz is a genre defined more by its spirit of experimentation and creative freedom than by adherence to specific stylistic elements. While rhythm and improvisation remain core components, modern musicians are likely to emphasize an openness to blending genres, incorporating new technologies, and reinterpreting traditional sounds. This study also suggests that the historical legacy of Jazz continues to influence modern practitioners, but that the genre is becoming increasingly fluid; more of a concept or approach than a rigidly defined style. Continuation of this kind of research could redefine how we understand Jazz in the 21st century, both in terms of academia and in the context of performance. Phenex Schwarz-Ward - sax Jakobie Kindle - tpt Jayson Zorn - guitar Asan Ismankulov - bass Kenny Tayce - drums