The Indigenous Voice of American Music: Compositions Inspired by Research of a Native American Contribution to Blues and Jazz

The Indigenous Voice of American Music: Compositions Inspired by Research of a Native American Contribution to Blues and Jazz

Authors

Liza Micelli

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Abstract

Over recent years, there have been newly recognized contributions to the diaspora of Jazz. This project highlights another contribution: the Native American. Through various personal experiences, interviews with Native scholars, literature, and comparative analysis, I’ve become aware of this widely debated influence. This project considers curious musical similarities between the Stomp and Social Dances of the South Eastern Tribes of the Mississippi Delta region, Powwow and Round Dance traditions of Plains Natives of the Midwest with that of early blues and jazz artists. Coupled with the aforementioned research was a recorded compositional project illustrating three turning points I’ve encountered along this journey:

1) “THE VU”: My first experience hearing Native American music

2) “ROY’S TESTIMONY”: the deep affects of boarding schools

3) “WE THINK TOO MUCH AND FEEL TOO LITTLE”: a reflection on how various systems have been distorted, in turn inspiring a vision for improving our future.

While interacting with Indigenous knowledge and individuals, I’ve learned there’s still much healing to be done between us, and will further find ways my work can not only clarify historic record and prevent erasure, but seek to benefit the wider Indigenous community.

Publication Date

7-1-2023

Campus

Boston Campus

The Indigenous Voice of American Music: Compositions Inspired by Research of a Native American Contribution to Blues and Jazz

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