Watch this gentleman closely, and you’ll witness the rebirth of cool, where “old-school jazz lover” is a term of endearment, meaning hip, authentic and timeless.
And old-school jazz lovers live forever at (Joe Segal’s) Jazz Showcase, arguably the most celebrated jazz venue in Chicago.
Entertainment entrepreneur and radio host, John Moultrie, creator of iRock Jazz, is miraculously bringing the cool to the new school with live jazz sets and an accompanying webzine.
So, what is iRock Jazz, you ask?
“iRock jazz is more of a symbol or an expression,” Moultrie explains. “It is a way that people appreciate and show love for an improvisational art form. It’s a sign of affection.”
iRock jazz is also a catchy concept to lure the younger generations to the jazz scene.
“Traditional jazz lovers know they will always appreciate jazz. What we have to do is grow it, for jazz to survive today, it has to have a younger audience, otherwise, our great jazz legends will die off and there’s nobody there to carry on the legacy,” Moultrie says.
Moultrie admits, however, that initially, the name ruffled a few [straight-ahead jazz lovers’] feathers.
“It’s come under a little controversy, with rock and jazz, and some people just don’t get it,” he states. “Young people rock with the things that they wear; and they rock what they love. Jazz people can rock jazz as well.”
Moultrie hosts a series of iRock jazz events throughout the city, sponsored by rolling out, and other major corporations.
Here’s a behind-the-scenes peek at the legendary Jazz Showcase. (Photos by Bernard Williams).
