Phenex Schwarz-Ward Full Capstone Recital 4-13-25

Описание: Transcending Time: A Jazz Odyssey
Phenex Schwarz-Ward

Defining 21st Century Jazz: Rhythm, Timbre, Emotion, and History in Shaping
Contemporary Identity

Jazz, as a genre, has undergone dramatic changes over the years, from its origins in the early
20th century to the present day. With new generations of musicians continuing to push the
boundaries of sound, rhythm, and form, the question arises: What is Jazz today?
Historically, Jazz was defined by specific elements such as swing rhythm, improvisation, and
blues inflection. However, as modern musicians experiment with electronic effects, cross-genre
fusion, and unconventional time signatures, the genre’s boundaries have become increasingly
fluid.
This project explores the evolving definition of Jazz in the 21st century by focusing on key
elements such as rhythm, timbre, emotional expression, and historical context. Through
interviews with contemporary Jazz musicians and an analysis of their responses, this study will
attempt to answer a key question: How can we define Jazz in the 21st century, and what role
do rhythm, timbre, emotional expression, and historical context play in shaping its
contemporary identity?
To investigate this topic effectively, I have combined qualitative research with creative musical
components. I have conducted a series of interviews with five contemporary jazz musicians,
including Grammy Award-winning bassist Rufus Reid, composer and drummer Ayman Abi Kheir,
multiple award-winning drummer Tripp Bratton, Louisville’s very own woodwind specialist
Meghan Pund, and award-winning singer Carly Johnson. Each interview focused on how they
conceptualize the genre, specifically around the following elements: rhythm, timbre, feeling, and
history.
In conjunction with the interviews, I have composed a four-movement jazz suite inspired by the
insights gathered from these musicians. Titled Transcending Time: A Jazz Odyssey, the suite
consists of: Movement I – Mourning to Motion, Movement II – Vibra Callejera, Movement III –
Between the Silence, and Movement IV – Cosmic Voyage, and performed by: Phenex
Schwarz-Ward, saxophone, Jakobie Kindle, trumpet, Aiden Shimodaira, piano/keys, Jayson
Zorn, guitar, Asan Ismankulov, bass, and Kenny Tayce, drums. Each movement reflects the
unique perspectives and experiences shared by the interviewees. The suite incorporates specific
rhythms, timbres, and emotional qualities mentioned in the interviews, blending elements of the
Jazz tradition with more contemporary, experimental ideas, and a mixture of traditional and
modern instrumentation.
By combining both research and creative work, this project provides a nuanced,
experiential working definition of what Jazz means today. What I have found through this
process is that Jazz is a genre defined more by its spirit of experimentation and creative
freedom than by adherence to specific stylistic elements. While rhythm and improvisation
remain core components, modern musicians are likely to emphasize an openness to
blending genres, incorporating new technologies, and reinterpreting traditional sounds.
This study also suggests that the historical legacy of Jazz continues to influence modern
practitioners, but that the genre is becoming increasingly fluid; more of a concept or
approach than a rigidly defined style. Continuation of this kind of research could redefine
how we understand Jazz in the 21st century, both in terms of academia and in the context
of performance.

Phenex Schwarz-Ward - sax
Jakobie Kindle - tpt
Jayson Zorn - guitar
Asan Ismankulov - bass
Kenny Tayce - drums