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Jazz 101: Greeley/UNC Jazz Festival guide to the greats |
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Written by Erin Frustaci
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Wednesday, 19 April 2006 |
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Page 1 of 3 After World War I, attitudes were transformed. Young men and women were restless and conventional wasn’t cool. Flappers ushered in the roaring 20s and the jazz age was born.
This was more than 80 years ago, but the jazz tradition still exists. And it isn’t just grandparents who appreciate it. Although jazz doesn’t have the swagger of hip-hop, it still can have appeal to Gen-Xers. Besides, every now and then, when the same song comes on the radio for the thousandth time, it’s worth trying something new. In honor of the 36th Annual UNC/Greeley Jazz Festival, which runs April 20-22, here’s a Jazz 101 guide for beginners.
Erik Applegate, managing producer of the Jazz Festival encourages people who don’t typically listen to jazz to come out and give it a shot.
“Jazz does get the reputation for being complex, but it’s like anything else,” Applegate said. “The best thing to do is go experience it and not worry about what’s the best thing. It’s like trying a new kind of food. If people just sample some, it can be really exciting. ”
He recommends the Thursday night concert in particular, New York Voices and Nancy King, for beginning listeners. 
“It can be easier to get started through singers because people can relate to the lyrics as well,” he said. “Both of those acts will be performed with a standard jazz repertoire.”
Applegate compares New York Voices to Manhattan Transfer because of the quartet’s big band sound. He said Nancy King could be compared to Ella Fitzgerald.
“She is a quintessential jazz singer and has been around for years,” he said.
Another way to feel out the jazz vibes in a more intimate setting is to attend the kick-off or after-hour parties. These will take place at several venues in downtown Greeley. This is a good option for people who can’t afford one of the concerts or enjoy a more intimate party atmosphere. 
“Sometimes it can be fun to actually go to one of the sessions with the artist to get a feel for what they are like,” Applegate said. “It gives a different connection to the music they make.”
The festival, which is organized through the University of Colorado’s College of Performing and Visual Arts, celebrates jazz with an emphasis on the educational component. Students of all ages from all over the state will also perform in the noncompetitive event.
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