How does theory influence jazz appreciation?

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Hi everyone,

I have been a Jazz listener for quite a while, although I am not a musician nor I have a strong music theory background (can't identify chords or keys  by  ear, for example...) 

Since I don't know  personally any other jazz enthusiasts, the only contact I have with other jazz fanatics is through the Internet.

 But lately it came to my attention that almost all jazz discussions (particularly on Youtube) are about the technicalities of a particular song ("look how he goes from Eflat to E to the power 3 flat..."). I understand that this is just a language, and perhaps the most convenient language to talk about these various musical ideas. But I it makes  a little bit insecure and afraid that it is not only the appropriate vocabulary to talk about music  that I am lacking, but that I also don't have the right "tools" to appreciate it. That I am listening in the wrong way. 

I pretty sure that this is a very silly way of thinking but, nonetheless, I would like to hear your opinion on this and a little bit of assurance/comfort from you guys.

Perdido 

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Perdido Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Forum Newbie Joined: 16 Aug 2015 Location: Portugal Status: Offline Points: 7	Post Options Post Reply Quote Perdido Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: How does theory influence jazz appreciation? Posted: 15 Nov 2020 at 7:32am
	Hi everyone, I have been a Jazz listener for quite a while, although I am not a musician nor I have a strong music theory background (can't identify chords or keys by ear, for example...) Since I don't know personally any other jazz enthusiasts, the only contact I have with other jazz fanatics is through the Internet. But lately it came to my attention that almost all jazz discussions (particularly on Youtube) are about the technicalities of a particular song ("look how he goes from Eflat to E to the power 3 flat..."). I understand that this is just a language, and perhaps the most convenient language to talk about these various musical ideas. But I it makes a little bit insecure and afraid that it is not only the appropriate vocabulary to talk about music that I am lacking, but that I also don't have the right "tools" to appreciate it. That I am listening in the wrong way. I pretty sure that this is a very silly way of thinking but, nonetheless, I would like to hear your opinion on this and a little bit of assurance/comfort from you guys. Perdido

js Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Forum Admin Group Site admin Joined: 22 Dec 2010 Location: Memphis Status: Offline Points: 34938	Post Options Post Reply Quote js Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 15 Nov 2020 at 8:34am
	If you are enjoying jazz music, or any other kind of music, thats all that matters, you don't have to label it or identify it. In the summer I like to go swimming, often I'll float on my back and look at all the different cloud formations. I know nothing about clouds, how they are formed, how to identify the different varieties, I just think they look great. I'm a music teacher and have two degrees in theory, but I am not always thinking about that when I listen to music. I hear people talk about all the things Sonny Rollins can do with melody. I'm not always hearing it even with my background, but it just sounds good to me. I'm not thinking about theory when someone plays a hot solo, I'm just thinking, wow, that was exciting, lets hear it again. I certainly hope jazz listening and appreciation isn't just for musicians, that would be kind of dreary in the long run.

Perdido Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Forum Newbie Joined: 16 Aug 2015 Location: Portugal Status: Offline Points: 7	Post Options Post Reply Quote Perdido Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 06 Dec 2020 at 9:04am
	I agree. Thank you!