As equality for women continues to be encouraged within jazz, the face of the industry is notably starting to shift. In response, many women are starting to grow their own platforms to support and share female success in the business. For International Women’s Day, vocalist Lauren Bush is putting a spotlight on some of these women who are using their voices for good within jazz.
Throughout history, the world of jazz has always been mostly an “old boys club”. And while I think women would agree that it has always been harder to prove our worthiness on the bandstand, things might be improving! Jazz is supposed to be a safe space for self-expression – inclusive and available to all – and, as strong women forge the path, we are hopefully leaving this idea that gender has any part to play in talent behind.
This list of female platforms, organisations and creative outputs is by no means exhaustive. This is merely scratching the surface and I would encourage each reader to contribute to the list if they can think of any bad-ass boss ladies who deserve recognition for their contributions. As more women are encouraged to share their unique experiences, the opportunities are endless…
Women in Jazz
Women in Jazz has a few different avenues that are helping pave the way for female artists. They have a digital channel on Youtube called Uncovered that showcases the top female artists in jazz. The first one, released last month, spotlights singer/songwriter Celeste. To celebrate IWD, their next feature is on drummer Jas Kayser where she talks about working with her teacher and mentor Terri Lynn Carrington.
This community has grown to over 8k supporters and includes everyone from emerging artists in jazz to record labels, festivals, music venues and publishers, all of whom share the vision of solving gender parity in UK Jazz. Their career development programme is focused on helping artists get to the next stages of their careers and has seen great success. This is a community worth joining.
Women in Jazz Organisation (USA)
They have a mentorship program which is meant to provide strong role models to female jazz musicians and composers at the collegiate level in a safe and supportive environment. It also offers a way for established jazz musicians and composers on the scene to actively participate in and help shape the future of their art form.
While this group is largely a New York City-based organisation, they make efforts to connect to other individuals and groups nationally and internationally.
Women in Podcasts
Sisters in the Shadows is hosted by actress and singer Collette Cooper, whose own singing style is heavily influenced by early jazz and blues singers like Bessie Smith and Big Mama Thorton. On the podcast, Colette invites an array of guests (male and female, musicians and media friends) to share their own experiences in the jazz world and pay tribute to the women who came first – Billie Holiday, Elis Regina, Sarah Vaughan and even Janis Joplin – to name a few.
Dear Music
Dear Music is presented by Emma Hatton, a powerhouse singer known for her role as Elphaba in the West End production of Wicked as well as for touring with Post Modern Jukebox and supporting Jools Holland. Her podcast is described as a way to explore “our collective love affair with music”. Emma is utilising her platform to share all the different ways that music can lift our souls, help us through tough times and play a role in our lives that is more than just entertainment. Especially during the pandemic, while people are desperate for therapeutic ways to cope with loss, whether due to losing loved ones from Covid or losing the life we’re used to as artists and performers, this podcast is a heartwarming tonic.
Journeys in Jazz is a collection of interviews conducted by tenor saxophonist Fliss Gorst. As a female instrumentalist, Fliss may have struggled to stand out in her industry, but she holds her own on the sax and has embraced the role of band leader to the point that her community adores her. She makes friends with everyone and, as a result, has a massive pool of talented colleagues that she features. She has uncovered some fascinating gems, like Enrico Tomasso’s stories about his mentor, Louis Armstrong. Some are spotlights on other female artists, like bassist Charlie Pyne and vocalist Sara Dowling, and she has also been able to capture some of the memories of jazz legends like nonagenarian Jack Honeyborne. A new series of Journeys is hopefully in the works for 2021.
Women in Jazz Media
Its Facebook group has already attracted almost 1.5k followers and is a good place to get involved with the community. Also, check out its podcasts and upcoming plans for a mentoring scheme.
Blow the Fuse Music
Voices of Freedom
In America, the whole month of March is Women’s History Month so Jazz at Lincoln Center are taking this opportunity to deliver a new concert called Voices of Freedom: Betty Carter, Billie Holiday, Abbey Lincoln, and Nina Simone. The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis will feature some of the US’s most powerful voices – Melanie Charles, Shenel Johns and Ashley Pezzotti – as they pay tribute to these remarkable vocal jazz legends. A concert not to miss.
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I have to thank all of these fabulous women for bothering to set aside their time, for being brave leaders, for celebrating the successes of their fellow female musicians and setting the standard; I must say again that this list is just a small cross section of women and organisations that are leading the way for women in jazz. There are many others whose contributions deserve recognition or appreciation. Please remember to take the time to share an initiative that you think could use a plug – a retweet, share, highlight, hashtag or even a round of applause.
LINKS: Women in Jazz
Women in Jazz Organization
Women in Jazz Media
Blow the Fuse Music
Sisters in the Shadows podcast
Dear Music podcast
Journeys in Jazz podcast
Voices of Freedom online concert