Files
Download Full Text (38 KB)
Abstract
Crooked Swing is about my journey as a jazz drummer becoming a part of the international folk dancing community in the Boston area and discovering how music can be used as a tool to foster stronger and more connected communities. There are many lessons we can learn from Balkan folk dance traditions outside of its odd meters, including what I believe to be the ultimate purpose of making music.
Crooked Swing is made up of four compositions, each focusing on a different aspect of my journey. “Taking Flight” is based on a Bulgarian rhythm called Gankino and aims to inspire the feeling of flying that I experience dancing to that rhythm. “Connection” was inspired by my feeling of connectedness with everyone in the room during slower dances. “First Steps” is based on the process of learning a dance, with a free improvisation resolving into a written melody, mimicking the “aha” moment of figuring out a dance. Finally, “Veronica” is a ballad dedicated to my fiancée who introduced me to Balkan music.
Folk dancing has taught me that if we all played together, sang together, and danced together, the world would be a better and more connected place.
Publication Date
7-1-2024
Campus
Boston Campus
Keywords
Balkan Folk Dance Jazz Community
Recommended Citation
Drumwright, Julian. “Crooked Swing:Finding Community at the Crossroads of Balkan Folk Dance and Global Jazz.” Master's thesis, Berklee College of Music, 2024. https://remix.berklee.edu/graduate-studies-global-jazz/160.