Talk: »What is Jazz Today?«

What direction is jazz likely to take in the future?

There were two strong forces competing with one another in jazz music from the outset: tradition and renewal. In the best instance, both forces did so in the spirit of improvisation. After nearly 125 years of jazz history, we have arrived in an ever more diverse sphere with a huge variety of aesthetic standpoints. What is jazz today? And what direction is it likely to take, with a constant influx of new talent on the one hand and the gradual retirement of the figureheads of the past on the other? These interesting questions are the subject of a panel discussion at this year’s Elbphilharmonie Jazz Academy. On the podium will be all the teachers – clarinettist Anat Cohen, singer Clarice Assad, saxophonist Donny McCaslin, pianist Sullivan Fortner, bass player Martin Wind and percussionist Matt Wilson – that are sharing their knowledge and experience at the week-long masterclass for 15 hand-picked top young jazz artists.

Please note: the panel discussion will be held in English.