Blog #2

 The story of New York Jazz is the Story of Harlem. In the early 20th century, the Great Migration brought Jazz musicians from the south of the country to New York. Many of them settled in Harlem, a place described as “A promised land for a downtrodden race.” (Goia, pg 93). Harlem was home to an independent African American community, divided into a Harlem of dreams and aspirations, and another of economic realities. Out of this Harlem came a new style of Jazz, Stride Piano, one which flourished in the rent parties and underground economies of Harlem. This style descended from elements of jazz style mixed with the high technical standards of European piano. Several notable pianists made a name for themselves in the Harlem scene, Fats Waller, William “the Lion” Smith, and James P. Johnson among them. 
 Stride Piano in New York was just the prelude to the Swing era, however. Fletcher Henderson's band, with the help of Louis Armstrong, brought the swing style to New York. Duke Ellington is the best representation of the culture and state of New York Jazz at this time. Ellington was an exceptional performer, attaining great success despite the challenges he faced because of his race (Stewart). His musical style, described as “ creation of a musical landscape”, was unsurpassed in its ability to establish and maintain a musical mood. An expressive ability, at home in New York, the home of the writers and artists of the Harlem renaissance.