Blowin' the Blues Away

In Blowin' the Blues Away, Travis A. Jackson explores the thriving jazz scene in New York City, highlighting its cultural significance and impact on American identity.

New York City has long been recognized as a pivotal hub in the evolution of jazz music. The vibrant jazz scene of the city is not only a historical cornerstone but has also gained significant importance in contemporary culture. In Blowin' the Blues Away, ethnomusicologist Travis A. Jackson delves into the dynamic world of jazz in New York, particularly focusing on its resurgence since the 1980s. Through a combination of interviews, firsthand observations, and meticulous analysis of both live performances and recorded works, Jackson paints a comprehensive picture of the current state of jazz in the city.

The book intricately examines how various stakeholders in the New York jazz scene—musicians, fans, and critics—perceive and assess performances. Jackson captures the essence of jazz as a cultural phenomenon that transcends mere musical style. By engaging with the thoughts and experiences of accomplished artists and passionate enthusiasts, Blowin' the Blues Away reveals the ways in which jazz interacts with broader American themes of race, identity, and spirituality.

Ultimately, this work serves as both a historical account and a contemporary analysis, highlighting the ongoing evolution of jazz in New York City. It showcases the resilience and adaptability of the genre, making it clear that jazz remains a vital and influential force in American culture today.