Joel Dinerstein Lester Young and the Birth of Cool
Introduction
Title: Lester Young and the Birth of Cool (1998)
Author: Joel Dinerstein, American studies scholar at the University of Texas at Austin.
Focus: Analysis of the African American concept of "cool" as a synthesis of African and Anglo-European ideas.
The Concept of Cool
Definition:
African American Cool: An expressive style and public composure that resolves the conflict between masking and expressing the self.
Historical Context: Paradox intensified by the experiences of African Americans in the U.S.
Lester Young: Model of self-presentation; key figure in defining the emotional style within jazz.
Influence on Jazz: His approach influenced generations of African American men and musicians.
Birth of the Cool Ethic
Modern Usage of "Cool":
First popularized in jazz culture of the early 1940s, attributed to Young.
Young's statements ("I'm cool") indicated calmness and self-control.
Cultural Significance During WWII:
Importance of emotional self-control in the face of dashed hopes for equality.
Examples in music:
Erskine Hawkins, "Keep Cool, Fool" (1941)
Count Basie, "Stay Cool" (1946)
Charlie Parker, "Cool Blues" (1946)
Lester Young’s Musical Influence
Musical Style:
Unique tenor sound: fast, airy, light, lacking vibrato, contrasting with Coleman Hawkins's heavier style.
Renowned for a "cool, flowing style", marked by strategic silence and rhythmic mastery.
Historical Recognition:
Little known outside jazz circles despite groundbreaking contributions with Count Basie Orchestra and Billie Holiday.
The Four Core Concepts of Cool
Cool the First: Control emotions and wear a mask in hostile environments.
Cool the Second: Maintain a relaxed demeanor during performance.
Cool the Third: Develop a personal style that reflects inner spirit.
Cool the Fourth: Artistic expressiveness within emotional restraint.
Ideal State: Balance between emotional poles of hot and cold; leads to "relaxed intensity".
Young's Personal Theatricality
Stage Presence:
Used hip slang, stood out with sartorial choices; synonymous with the hip jazz vibe.
“Pres” and “Lady Day”: Nicknames exchanged with Billie Holiday, denoting mutual respect.
Coolness as a Survival Strategy
Historical Roots: Influenced by early African American minstrelsy and the image of the "grinning black mask".
Impact of Minstrelsy:
Creating a space for black performers while reinforcing stereotypes.
Perpetuated servitude notions; presented complexities of black experience in America.
Transition in Musical Expression
Emergence of Jazz Performers:
Shift from masking emotions to expressing individuality, exemplified by Young’s non-conformity.
Transition from swing (social performance) to introspective jazz styles post-WWII.
The Impact of Urban Migration
Cultural Shift: The movement of African Americans to urban centers changing societal perceptions and musical expression.
Emergence of Artistry: Jazz as a reflection of emerging cultural pride and individuality during the Black Migration.
The Role of the Drummer and Jam Sessions
Jam Sessions:
Forum for black and white interaction, contributing to artistic self-expression in relaxed settings.
Young stood out in competitive, integrative environments.
Legacy of Cool
Cultural Significance:
Young's style influenced significant musicians, serving as a bridge to later forms of jazz.
Cool evolved into a broader cultural phenomenon embodying emotional complexity in black artistry.
Influence on Subsequent Artists:
Miles Davis and others modeled their styles on Young's ethos and sound, infusing "cool" in modern jazz.
Conclusion
Cultural Synthesis of Cool:
Melding of West African aesthetics with Anglo-American ideals shaping a unique identity for African Americans.
Ongoing Relevance: The concept of cool remains significant in understanding African American identity and cultural expression through music.