How to Listen to Jazz

Check out how bassist Paul Chambers interacts with drummer Philly Joe Jones on those classic jazz recordings from the 1950s; or Ron Carter and Tony Williams in the 1960s; or Christian McBride and Brian Blade in the current day. No,

Listen, for example, to Johnny Hodges play “Come Sunday” on the recording of Duke Ellington’s debut Carnegie Hall concert on January 23, 1943.

Listen to Count Basie’s recording of “Li’l Darlin’” if you want to hear how this is done at a very high level of virtuosity.

This propensity is hardwired into our bodies, perhaps into our souls, but do we even know where to start in assessing its aesthetic dimensions?