The Women of Jazz

        Jazz music is an American tradition that has been around since the early 1900s. It has many different styles and ways to create. It truly can be a music for everyone.

Pictured: Duke Ellington and his Famous Orchestra

   Although most jazz musicians are men, there have been many women in jazz throughout its history as well. Today there are many women players that are recognized in the community and play in big bands all the time.

Pictured: The DIVA Jazz Orchestra

       One of the most prominent women in jazz from swing era is Ernestine “Tiny” Davis. She was a trumpet player, and the band leader of the International Sweethearts of Rhythm.

      During the Bebop era saxophonist and vocalist Vi Redd came to the scene showing off her rich tone on horn and in voice. She had great control over her instrument and was never afraid to show it.

Here’s a video of her playing and singing with the Count Basie Orchestra:

Music

          Jane Ira Bloom started to gain traction in the 70s and is known for her amazing soprano saxophone playing. She is well respected in the jazz world of today, and is currently the professor of jazz saxophone at the New School in New York City, the modern center of jazz.

       Another modern musician in the New York scene is Bria Skonberg, a trumpet player and singer. She travels all around to different festivals and is almost always writing and playing.

     There’s so many women taking on the jazz world today and getting recognized for their hard work. Listen and watch them, and know that one day you could do that too.