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Critic Gary Giddins Talks Jazz and Writing
The world's preeminent jazz critic, Gary Giddins, talked with Upper School English and Jazz students on February 4. He talked about his two favorite pastimes—reading and listening to music.
The world's preeminent jazz critic, Gary Giddins, talked with Upper School English and Jazz students on February 4.
In a lively discussion with jazz teacher Bob Rosen and English teacher Chris Doire, Mr. Giddins discussed the role that jazz plays in African-American history and how in turn, the African-American experience has come to define US history.
"So much of what we do in this country—not just the music we listen to—but the way we talk, the clothes we wear and even the way we walk is influenced by Black America."
Mr. Giddins went on to explain that Duke Ellington is in many ways responsible for that cultural influence.
"He was one of the first to use the word 'Black' as a point of pride. Duke didn't pander," he said. "That's why they call him Duke."
The students gathered in the Meetinghouse listened to some of Mr. Giddins favorite tunes, and he talked about his writing process.
"Everyone has an opinion. That doesn't make a good critical piece," he said. "It's how you present it that matters most."
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In a lively discussion with jazz teacher Bob Rosen and English teacher Chris Doire, Mr. Giddins discussed the role that jazz plays in African-American history and how in turn, the African-American experience has come to define US history.
"So much of what we do in this country—not just the music we listen to—but the way we talk, the clothes we wear and even the way we walk is influenced by Black America."
Mr. Giddins went on to explain that Duke Ellington is in many ways responsible for that cultural influence.
"He was one of the first to use the word 'Black' as a point of pride. Duke didn't pander," he said. "That's why they call him Duke."
The students gathered in the Meetinghouse listened to some of Mr. Giddins favorite tunes, and he talked about his writing process.
"Everyone has an opinion. That doesn't make a good critical piece," he said. "It's how you present it that matters most."
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