Presentation of research, Jazz Education Conference, New Orleans, LA 2017
Areas of Research and Special Interest
Emerging Jazz Criticism
Music critics of the early 20th century were wholly unprepared to discuss the newest music gaining hold of the concert stage. Investigation of early concert and record reviews has uncovered a gradual evolution of vocabulary and viewpoint that offers a fascinating view into the acceptance of jazz as a music worthy of the concert stage.
Jazz and Indian Influence
India’s influence on jazz has been nothing short of profound. Similar approaches to improvisation and form abound, a fact not lost upon musicians of the modal jazz movement of the 1960's. Clear influences can be seen in many of the most memorable recordings from the era, with John Coltrane and Yusef Lateef being some of the most ardent and obvious examples.
Snooky Young
Described as the father of lead trumpet, Snooky's professional career spanned over 70 years and thousands of recordings. His ability to lead a band with his sound set the standard for big bands across the world, and his influence will be felt for generations to come. Relatively unknown outside of the right circles, Snooky's life and example deserves to be explored further.
Capitol Records Archive
Numbering in at over 10,000 items, the archive is one of the single largest repositories of its kind. Research has been focused primarily upon cataloging, transcribing, and performing some of the most recognized works in the collection, including pieces by Billy May, Pete Rugolo, and Nelson Riddle. Further research focuses upon compositional decisions made on the fly in the studio, comparing original scores with studio versions.
Music for the Radio
Emerging technology in the early 20th century forced the composer to write through a microphone. My research has focused upon music written specifically for the radio in the 1920's and 30's, dealing with issues of technology, compositional considerations, and critical discussion by leading scholars and writers. Special emphasis has been placed upon the first Columbia Composers Workshop.