Student Critiques
Black Women In Jazz
Black Women in Jazz was an incredible exploration of Black women’s contribution to the genre of Jazz and the ways in which they’ve pioneered new compositions and blends of genres in the current century. I do wish I would have seen more of a variety of other musicians. Someone in particular I would’ve loved to see more on is Samara Joy. Her voice is so smooth and she is what many refer to as a neo-traditionalist within the genre. In spite of her young age, she’s already won multiple Grammy’s and has an incredibly bright music career ahead of her.
I also appreciated the background in Blues and it’s history. I agree that it is important to analyze and pay homage to the genres that shaped what we have today, especially considering such history is often overlooked. The genre of Jazz, like RnB and Hip Hop, is a culmination of black culture and history and its important to educate others on its significance and ways it shapes current compositions and overall musical innovation.
Contemporary Black Gospel and Gospel Rap
I loved reading this article on Gospel Rap. It flowed very well and did well in articulating the historical context surrounding the formation of the subgenre. The connections drawn between Gospel music’s traditional themes of hope and faith and Hip Hop’s raw storytelling were particularly insightful. However, the article could have delved deeper into how Gospel Rap has evolved over the years to reach mainstream audiences, including notable artists and albums that shaped its trajectory. Additionally, it would have been beneficial to explore the criticisms and challenges Gospel Rap has faced within both the Gospel and Hip Hop communities.
While the historical foundation was strong, more contemporary examples could have made the discussion more dynamic. Overall, this article serves as a solid introduction to Gospel Rap but leaves room for further exploration of its modern-day impact and cultural reception.
Fisk University Jubilee Singers
This article about Fisk’s Jubilee Singers was incredibly insightful, especially considering the time period in which they gained their fame and popularity. I was unaware of all of their notable achievements, particularly being invited to sing at the World Peace Festival.
I do wish there was further elaboration on the impact this group continues to have on the University today. For instance, a discussion on how their legacy influences current music programs or student life at Fisk would have added depth. The article touched on their cultural significance but could have included more details about their role in preserving and popularizing spirituals as an art form. Additionally, it would have been interesting to learn how their story is commemorated on campus, such as through monuments or special events. Overall, the piece was an excellent introduction and I did thoroughly enjoy this read.
