Jazz: The DNA of American music

The Capital City Music Series presents an evening with three-time Grammy nominee and 2003's fourth annual national Smooth Jazz Awards Keyboardist of the Year David Benoit.

Benoit will emphasize the healing power of "Smooth Jazz Every Step of the Way" (his 1988 Grammy nomination) July 18 at the Carson City Community Center, in celebration of Carson Tahoe Hospital's ground-breaking festivities for its Regional Medical Center.

Ragtime, Chicago-style, swing, be-bop, cool, bossa nova, free jazz, fusion, acid and smooth jazz are just some of the ways jazz has rendered itself over the past 100 years -- each created within the mathematical parameters of what has been called "musicians' music."

Yes, jazz is academic and even scholarly. Mathematical formulas applied to rhythm and timing link its absolute and abstract qualities.

At the turn of the 19th century, America's experiment with democracy began to express itself in a very significant way: the birth of jazz metaphorically captured history, as did its first cousin, blues.

The music's freedom of expression (the quintessential American value) was created within the confines of musical composition and is the unique and important quality that has made jazz the DNA of American music.

Born as a contradiction, jazz struggled for a voice in underground roadhouses and cotton clubs, much the way early America struggled. Instinctively, Americans are drawn to the rhythms of jazz. Most of us understand it on a level we can't really explain or are not even aware of. It's kind of like understanding the excitement we feel driving a stick shift on a long stretch of Nevada highway -- liberated, free, uncorked.

David Benoit is an original member of The Rippingtons, which helped define the entire smooth jazz movement along with other greats like The Yellowjackets and The Jazz Crusaders.

Evolving from the 1970s' jazz fusion, smooth jazz has energetic solos and dynamic crescendos, emphasizing the refined side of jazz.

"Refined" defines David Benoit. After the release of his "Here's To You, Charlie Brown: 50 Great Years!" in spring 2000, Benoit developed a live musical tribute to Charles Schultz's beloved "Peanuts."

Conversely, Benoit's 2003 release steps away from the smooth style and embraces a new "Fuzzy Logic," the title of his new smash hit album. The audience will enjoy its funky, upbeat style.

All tickets are premium reserved at $30 and available by phone at 1-800-216-0891 or at www.carsoncitymusic.com.

John Procaccini is general partner for Carson City's Upstage Center Theatre. A partnership between the Upstage Center Theatre, the Brewery Arts Center, Carson City Redevelopment Authority and Carson City Convention and Visitors Bureau is making possible the summer series.