American Jazz and Carmen McRae
Based on the interview I provided, write a multi-dimensional paper of between 5 pages to 2500 words double spaced. Research the artist, where they are situated in jazz history. Become familiar with some of their recordings. Also familiarize yourself with the other artists and topics referenced in the interview, and seek the connections between them. Write about the artist and the topics in the article from a combination of two or more of these perspectives: 1. a historical context; how their music and the artists referenced in the article are shaped by the time it was created, including social, political, economic factors. 2. Focusing on one recorded example, discuss it from multiple perspectives including its musical components, orchestration/personnel, emotional impact, and creativity. You should properly cite sources.
Description of criterion
2 points for contextualizing where the artist is historically situated.
2 points if clearly connected with other artists of the period.
2 points for discussion of the social, economic, political.
2 points for the depth of musical analysis (can be formal or intuitive)
2 points for demonstrating outside research.
In each of the five categories listed above:
- 2 points if the relevant section of the essay clearly demonstrates understanding of the information and provides thorough and thoughtful insight/commentary.
-1.5 points if the relevant section of the essay demonstrates understanding of the information but provides some cursory or superficial insight/commentary.
- 1 point if the relevant section of the essay demonstrates only a partial understanding of the information and provides only cursory or superficial insight/commentary.
- 0.5 points if the relevant section of the essay demonstrates a minimal understanding of the information and provides no meaningful insight/commentary.
- 0 point if the essay entirely fails to address the issue.
Jazz and Research
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Jazz and Research
The modern audience celebrates some American jazz musicians long after their deaths. Carmen McRae is an example artiste who enjoys this honor in her grave. She was a talented pianist and vocalist whose elegant, complex, and innovative improvisations made her a jazz idol. A review of the singer’s historical context, relationship with other artists of the time, and musical techniques sheds light on not only her works but also offers insight into overall jazz music and the political, social, and economic factors that influenced the music industry during the period.
Contextualizing Where the Artist is Historically Situated
Born in 1920, before her demise in 1994, McRae had already become a renowned jazz vocalist. The success of other women in jazz during the singer’s lifetime also influenced her career. Before her, some other people had already succeeded as jazz composers and performers. She even quotes Billie Holiday as her idol, meaning she admired this other woman greatly. A historical time that did not bar women from engaging in commercial activities like singing for a living is attributable to McRae's entry into the music industry. In the 1920s, women drew particular recognition on the piano when they started playing instruments in jazz (Howze, n.d.). Also, another historical aspect that influenced McRae and other women’s involvement in music is the drafting of male jazz musicians for involvement in World War II (Howze, n.d.). The drafting led to the replacement of these male singers with female performers. Numerous all-female bands were sprouting in the U.S. and other western nations.
Connection with Other Artists of the Period
The connection between McRae and other artists of her time also influenced her music and performances. For example, this singer was closely connected with Teddy Wilson, Irene Kitchings, and Billie Holiday. During her at an Apollo contest where she won, Irene Kitchings, a songwriter, gained attraction for McRae. Kitchings was also the wife of Teddy Wilson. The two became friends, leading Kitchings to introduce McRae to other talented artists of this period. For example, although she used to listen to Billie Holiday in recordings, she was able to meet her through Kitchings. McRae received a lot of inspiration from Holiday. “Dream of Life,” one of her earliest songs, was composed through the influence of Holiday, Willings, and Kitchings, with the former being the primary influence. Other artists that the singer found inspiration and support from include Art Tatum, Count Basie’s Band, Mercer Ellington’s Band, and Benny Carter’s Band. Her extended as a pianist in Chicago and interactions with other artists are attributable to her success in jazz music.
Discussion of Social, Economic, and Political Factors Relating to McRae’s Works
A music sector of gendered colorism defined the American social reality at the time. However, the success of female jazz singers and performers like McRae in the then-male-dominated society may have been made possible by the historical socialization of singing as feminine (Ceres, 2022). Despite the desire of male singers to maintain their superior masculine instrumentalism, women still infiltrated jazz music. Female vocalists did not pose a threat to masculine instrumentalism. The political aspects of racial discrimination in the U.S. are also evident in McRae’s work. She addresses these political challenges by choosing pieces of text that align with personal accounts and airs them through her repertoire (Ceres, 2022). For example, she seems to describe the pain and suffering of black due to racism in her song “Black and Blue” (Ceres, 2022). In this song, she states that although it hurts inside, she cannot help because it is impossible to hide her skin color. The harsh social and political factors pushed jazz singers to serve as catalysts for social and political reforms. The financial hardships relating to the many social and political challenges facing women of color at the time are of great economic significance in McRae’s work. The artist performed in the early days of her career to acquire a source of livelihood. Her key audience was revelers in clubs. She later graduated as a renowned artist who helped grow an entire economy based on jazz music performances.
Musical Analysis of McRae’s Works
A review of McRae’s music reveals that she had a special ability to paint pictures with her lyrics. Her technique is a blend of sophistication and earthiness. She imbues elements of emotional depth, humor, and danger in her performance hence making her songs super interesting to a listener. The audience can stay hooked to her work because she unlocks the drama of a song and the capability to draw pictures with words. Her skills are emphasized in her ballad works. She portrays a strong touch through her world-weary voice. McRae&rsquo...