To many, the words “jazz” and “mainstream” are nearly entirely mutually exclusive. Like classical music, jazz isn’t something you’re likely to hear a lot of on the radio, save in its hybrid or fusion form as part of a trip-hop producer or alternative band.
Yet while that might make sense, the truth is a stretch away from that assumption – jazz is an almost daily part of our lives, specifically due to the music choices of large and popular coffee cafes.
Starbucks in particular, with its over 22,000 franchise branches throughout the globe, has been the place to play jazz music and hear the performances of jazz legends throughout the ages, as renowned critic Ted Gioia at the Daily Beast points out.
Where Jazz is Today
Jazz has been in a minor decline as a contemporary genre for a while, attracting a gathering of fans and niche lovers through the recent collaboration between music and the Internet, and assorted local jazz festivals.
But by and large, the combination of coffee and jazz, alcohol and jazz, nicotine and jazz – and really any quality luxury good paired with jazz has created the insinuation that jazz is the music of the higher class, and of more sophistication, a irony given its roots and origins in the struggling African communities of 19th century New Orleans as per Jazz In America.
This doesn’t, however, change what the genre is – nor does it subject the genre to being in the taste of elitists alone. Instead, jazz continues to live on in the lives of many through ambient music, providing a better and more enjoyable experience.
It also lives on in the talents and abilities of creative jazz female singers, such as Deborah Silver. Contemporary jazz not only makes its appearance in establishments, but has also enjoyed a revival through large music streaming tools like Pandora and Spotify.
