“Gay culture feels more allegiance toward Lady Gaga than Lady Day. As someone who frequents gay bars with almost the same regularity as jazz clubs, I often sense a great divide between the two worlds… It would seem that there’d be more overlap between the jazz and gay communities in relationship to mainstream society. After all, both foster communities that cut many strata, including those dealing with race, ethnicity, gender, economic status and age; both have been historically scrutinized; both advocate collective and individual freedom; and both are constantly fighting for greater acceptance.”
So writes John Murph in a thoughtful overview of gay and lesbian artists in jazz, for the December issue of JazzTimes.
Andy Bey
Artists mentioned in the article include Theo Bleckmann, Billy Strayhorn, Cecil Taylor, Gary Burton, Andy Bey, Ian Shaw, Fred Hersch, Lea DeLaria, Patricia Barber, Andrew D’Angelo, Allison Miller, Ben Allison, Dave Koz, Charlie Kohlhase and Terri Lyne Carrington. However, it’s not always clear in the story if each person who’s being quoted is gay or lesbian. But a number of scholarly articles and projects are also mentioned.
Patricia Barber
The story makes me want to check out some music not previously on my radar including:
• Patricia Barber’s “Narcissus,” which explores a Sapphic love affair.
• Andrew D’Angelo’s band Gay Disco, and their songs “My Prostate” and “Cheek Spread.”
• Dave Koz’s latest disc, Hello Tomorrow (Concord), with a cover of Burt Bacharach’s “This Guy Is in Love With You.”
• Ben Allison’s “Dragzilla,” an homage to drag queens Raven O and Joey Arias.
Dave Koz
