“AND THE BEAT GOES ON—la de da de de—la de da de da” sang rock and roll greats Sonny and Cher! We certainly know that to be true with the beat of JAZZ—
The traditional jazz beat started with Ragtime back in the late 1880’s, and The Blues, then came the Dixieland and New Orleans styles of the early 1900’s, followed by Swing in the 20’s thru the 40’s. They are all styles of what is known today as Traditional Jazz.Scott Joplin, King Oliver, Benny Goodman, stars of these early musical eras, have passed on their music to many, many great musicians. Jazz has grown worldwide as musicians spread the musical word around the globe. Still, it is America’s music, known to all as “our national heritage”. Styles of jazz have also expanded to include those known as bebop, straight a-head, fusion, West Coast, free, and funk, but the “roots” of it all are buried deep in what we call Traditional Jazz, and those roots continue to flourish.
The North Carolina Jazz Festival proudly continues the presentation of this joyous music using the great musicians of today. This year we will again be adding some new faces to our roster of talented musicians. From New Orleans comes John Royen, a stride pianist; from NYC we will bring Dion Tucker, trombonist with the Harry Connick Jr. Orchestra; and from Minneapolis, MN – Patrick Harison, a young jazz accordionist!
“AND THE BEAT GOES ON—la de da de de—la de da de da”
In answer to your requests—in 2012 we will be adding a dance floor for those who love to “move with the beat”. Swing dancing is a “new/old phenomenon” that seems to be really catching on—and what better style of music to swing-dance to than Traditional Jazz?
Our North Carolina Jazz Festival patrons are the backbone of our jazz festival—the extra that they contribute to our finances make it possible for us “to go out on a limb” and hire the finest of traditional jazz musicians for our festival each year.
It’s one of the oldest traditional jazz festivals in the country, but it doesn’t mean it’s old. Sure some of its 2011 scheduled artist have been performing for decades, but over the last few years the North Carolina Jazz Festival has been working hard putting a new spirit to its annual event.
“Basically it all stems back to the music of the ‘20s and ‘30s in New Orleans,” explains Evans. “Traditional jazz takes us back to the ‘roots’ of jazz. And gives the musicians a chance to play the basic jazz form while expanding their playing to speak their own message.”
