“Education…. Entertainment…. Evolution”…..

What will we have going into the next century?  Can you imagine a world with no jazz? No color?  Jazz is not music… It is the essence from which all music comes……

Generation Jazz Inc. is a non- profit organization dedicated to the perpetuation of jazz through the presentation of jazz performances and jazz education.   As jazz migrates from generation to generation, we are excited to work with its new sounds, new artist, and ever more innovative jazz music.

The organization is determined to fulfill its mission by promoting Jazz as an art form.  Generation Jazz will initiate programs which nurture and promote the understanding of jazz and its heritage.  Jazz remains ever evolving with tradition being firmly established by composers, singers, and players who understand its history while embracing jazz’ base of continuous evolution.  Through educational programs and activities we will reach out to the next generation of players and listeners.

Throughout the year, special events for novice jazz listeners will blend with mentoring activities for younger musicians, playing opportunities for musicians of all levels and unique listing events in traditional and non-traditional venues all around the country.

How does an art form sustain itself from generation to generation?  Many jazz musicians have been both generous and committed to sharing their talents with younger generations.  It is important to impart knowledge to young people.  Many things can’t possibly be documented, and if jazz musicians go down with them, so go most of the secrets.

Jazz is forward moving; it’s not static.  It’s something that is still growing and evolving.  It’s not mimicking the past in any way.  It’s the only music in America that is quality improvisation at a high level.

Today, many students don’t have the baseline styles of jazz in their blood.  They are not going to hear Miles Davis on the radio or see him on TV.  They grew up with rock, hip-hop and R&B music, so we can’t expect them to know what “swing” is, we have to teach them.  Because of what they are exposed to, jazz is evolving into something completely different from the way it was in earlier times.  But that is the beauty of it!  It’s open ended!

Seeing jazz evolve from its traditional forms into jazz fusion, acid jazz, contemporary jazz and smooth jazz, we have little doubt of the staying power and importance of the ever evolving jazz idiom.  We look forward to many more years of jazz, and all the surprises that will come with them. 

“I’ll play it and tell you what it is later”
--Miles Davis—

Generation Jazz Events coming soon!