Jazz Society Specialization

Trad, Dixieland, New Orleans and related older jazz forms are more uplifting, fun and consistent with the upbeat spirit of the American experience than so much of the later, dissonant, brooding jazz that draws inspiration from poppy pods and Colombian agriculture.

Trad-oriented jazz societies are deeply aware of, and grateful for, the black invention of jazz a century ago. Apart from the elderly members of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, there are practically no blacks learning, playing or interested in listening to classic jazz, and outreach efforts by clubs like ours fall flat. Actually, we’re keeping alive benchmark music that blacks have abandoned.

WILL CONNELLY

President, Hot Jazz & Alligator Gumbo Society

Plantation, Fla.