The Relevance of Jazz History in the Twenty-First Century: Jazz Practice and Pedagogy in Canada

It has been suggested that the globalization of jazz has placed European musicians as taking the lead in innovative jazz practices while Americans have remained focused on past jazz traditions like New Orleans style, bebop, and swing. This notion of Europe as the new creative jazz centre and America holding a more traditional and historical practice and perspective is controversial; however, it should be noted that there is a distinct difference between these two perspectives and Canada, with a foot in each world, may have the opportunity to be a leader in jazz innovation by bridging the American and European traditions.