Jazz is one of the few musical styles indigenous to America. Jazz has also gone through more changes, mutations, and rebirths than most styles. Yet, jazz is still misunderstood by a large cross section of the public. East Coast jazz musician Shenole Latimer is providing a program at the Santa Maria Public Library that will not only showcase his skills on the saxophone, but also educate audiences on the history, forms, and meaning of jazz music.
“People either like jazz or they don’t like jazz,” Latimer said. “Some think it’s too freeform or avant-garde, but my goal is to let as many people as possible know that jazz is more accessible than they think.”
One of the earmarks of jazz is the art of improvising music. Improvising involves using musical knowledge to create musical ideas on the spot.
“Everybody thinks it means you do whatever you want,” Latimer said, “but I always compare jazz improv to talking and language. When you improvise, you take your knowledge of jazz theory, scales, and harmony and you use it to communicate or tell a story.”
When listeners can get an idea of what improvisation means, and what to listen for, their enjoyments of jazz music increases. Musician are artists, and when they improvise they are giving you their personal musical ideas.
Latimer will also be relating jazz history and its place in American culture as part of his program. He will showcase jazz from several time periods and several styles. He may talk about the importance of Louis Armstrong in the ’40s, Charlie Parker in the ’50s, and Michael Brecker’s influence on contemporary jazz.
Latimer will be delivering two programs at the library on Feb. 6; one tailored for an adult audience at 4 p.m. and one geared more toward children at 6:30 p.m.
“With the kids it’s really more of an introductory kind of thing,” he said. “It gets them introduced to the instruments and some jazz history.”
As for instruments, Latimer’s choice from an early age was the saxophone. The saxophone was invented in the late 19th century, making it a little late in the game as far as classical concert instruments go, but it had no problem gaining popularity.
“It has a very important place in jazz because jazz was the first form of music that really gave it a home,” he said. “The saxophone to jazz is really like the electric guitar to rock ’n’ roll.”
Latimer plays other instruments, but his main musical companion is the sax, which he will be performing with at the library with the help of backing tracks that will highlight the different styles of jazz, as well as his improvising abilities. His performing and lecturing style have both been described as relaxed, engaging, and fun.
“With my personality I try to make it fun,” he said. “I hope to bring people closer to a music that is so central to American culture and to help support the jazz scene.”
Latimer is based in New York state and performs often with his quartet on the East Coast, but does his educational tours solo. He released his debut album, Front and Center, in 2006 under the Tierra Records label, a German recording label. The album is available on Amazon.com, Itunes, and his website, shenolelatimer.com. He also works regularly as a for-hire saxophonist for rock, blues, R&B, and jazz groups. An all around professional musician, Latimer will offer clear insight into the sometimes allusive world of jazz.
“I’m just looking forward to doing my thing in front of people and turning more ears toward great music,” he said.
Reggae rocks
The Wicked Shamrock in Lompoc plays host to the Mid-Western reggae rock group Jon Wayne and The Pain performing live Feb. 11 at 9 p.m. at the Wicked Shamrock, 143 North H St., Lompoc. Cost is $5. More info: 736-9132.
Contact Calendar Editor Joe Payne at jpayne@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Feb 2-9, 2012.