Basement Jazz (No. 905)

First Aired Thursday, April 17, 2014

Four talented young musicians carry the jazz legacy forward.

Four talented young musicians carry the jazz legacy forward by featuring their own original music, and compositions of Montana jazz veterans. Basement Jazz features Caroline Janssen on guitar, Claire Young on Saxophone, Colleen Schmidt on bass, and Amy Giullian on drums. Joining these talented young adults are Bob Nell and Eric Funk, well known around Montana for their original jazz compositions and performances.

From the birth of Jazz in New Orleans, through many iterations and evolution, jazz has been an indelible part of American culture. Widely considered to be the nations only truly original art form, most Americans come of age with little knowledge of the history or importance of jazz. Basement Jazz is a group of talented young women who love jazz, and aspire to carry its traditions forward and continue its evolution.

In order for them to be relevant they must listen to and perform the music of the jazz masters and emulate those who are active in the field. Performing the music of Montana jazz veterans Bob Nell, Eric Funk, Jake Fleming, and Craig Hall, reveals their understanding and dedication to this unwritten code of honor. At the same time, their original compositions contribute new ideas and sounds to this ever-changing genre. Basement Jazz features Caroline Janssen on guitar, Claire Young on Saxophone, Colleen Schmidt on bass, and Amy Giullian on drums. Joining these talented young adults are Bob Nell and Eric Funk, well known around Montana for their original jazz compositions and performances.