Erskine Tate's Vendome OrchestraThis has been a topic mulling in my mind ever since a discussion the other day with a friend of mine. What is going to happen to the great music of the 1920s and 30s?
Of course, the literal answer is quite obvious. It's not going to go anywhere. The records will continue to exist, and shows like Boardwalk Empire will continue to use them in their programming.
The question I really want to ask is "what will happen to the fans". It is no secret that classic jazz attracts an odd bunch to say the least. We're all passionate about it and will pay a lot to hear this music live, by travelling to various events - like the many people from overseas who came to Whitley Bay last year.
However what seems to be in common with a lot of classic jazz fans is their age. It saddens me when I go to jazz events and see mostly grey haired people, who stare at me thinking I'm a musician.
In this sense, our music is in a dire crisis. This generation isn't going to be around forever, however there just isn't enough takeup of classic jazz with young people like they had when they were young. It's forgotten, too old fashioned for so many. The friend I was talking to believed that the only way for jazz music to survive was to take it mainstream, and get it on national TV again - but then I worry that would lead to it being presented as a novelty act, without people realising the effort and many hours of practice that go in to making a successful jazz band.
And yet I have no idea what the answer to this problem is, short of trying to get as many people of my generation in to this wonderful music. There isn't enough exposure of this, as much as shows like Boardwalk Empire help - people still see it as consigned to the past and a part of history, without realising there are still bands playing this.
I worry about the future of our music, it's this which spurs me on to learn as much as I can and hear as much as I can. I do plan on sticking around for a bit longer than this generation, but when they do pass away it will certainly be a loss for the widespread appreciation of classic jazz
