MY JAZZ LISTENING journey

Thus far on my jazz listening journey, I find that I am inclined to enjoy the side of jazz that is more ‘structured’ and orchestral. Sometimes when I try to understand and appreciate the other faces of jazz through learning about its many subgenres, I find myself going down a convoluted rabbit hole where I learn about how each style came to be and the elements that make each style unique. Even after gaining a grasp on how and why jazz developed historically and stylistically, I found it difficult to look at jazz through the lens of its many subgenres. Specifically, if someone asked me to define a jazz piece by subgenre, I would be unable to do so. But I think that is what makes jazz so interesting to me – it isn't confined or limited by the labels we often place on it. So I see jazz as something refreshing and freeing, characterized by unique elements like swing and a foundation in tonal harmony. For me, jazz is best described as a personal expression of feeling.