Before I took this class today, I just have listened to the jazz music in some radio program and CDs in China. Thought I like the rhythm of the jazz, I'm not sure whether I really understand how to appreciate it. This time, I think, I have further knowledge of jazz during this lecture.
I like the form of this kind of lecture, presentation with performance, really interesting.
What impressed me deeply is professor's theory about jazz and culture. Jazz is a symbol of multiculturalism. Without African tradition brought over to the United States, jazz would not exist--nor would the blues. Nowadays, jazz is spread to all over the world. A lot of kinds of language can be used to play jazz. But only to know about the culture, especially the language of this country, you can play jazz well in this language.
Professor compared some different tones for us. when the musician is playing a solo, he can express himself through the changing of the tone. Sometimes, jazz music, itself, is a kind of language, which can be used to communicate with each other, between audience and the musicians.
It's useful. Perhaps, after I 'm back to China I will listen to jazz more.