April 30th: Jazz Day

Jazz, a musical current that challenges the senses, blends trends and musical genres such as rock and roll and blues, as well as AfricanAmerican melodies and blends of other rhythms. It is based on improvisation, free interpretation, and the most honest and deepest expression of the musicians’ souls. As one of the greatest exponents of jazz, Nina Simone, said, “…jazz is not just music, it is a way of life, a way of being, a way of thinking…”.

It began in the United States in the 19th century and is a rebellion against all forms of discrimination and racism, which has caused it to spread rapidly around the world. In November 2011, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared that April 30 would be celebrated worldwide as International Jazz Day. Jazz promotes cultural exchange and is the spokesperson for freedom, peace, and dialogue, as well as cooperation among peoples around the world. This musical current is considered the language of emotions, it humanizes and transcends in the transformation of people.

International Jazz Day 2024 will take place for the first time on the African continent, in the city of Tangier, Morocco. Artists from around the world will perform, including UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador and pianist, the iconic Herbie Hancock. The concert will be streamed live on YouTube and Facebook on April 30.

Top 10 Jazz Songs to Listen to on Spotify.

Some Mexican exponents of this genre that we recommend you listen to:

  • Cráneo de Jade
  • Blue Note
  • Alex Mercado Trío
  • Orquesta de Leo Acosta
  • Verónica Ituarte y su grupo
  • Paco Treviño y sus magos del ritmo
  • Orquesta de Alfredo Núñez de Borbón

Filmography of the Jazz World

Here are some movie recommendations if you want to become a true jazz lover:

  • Jazz on a Summer Day (USA, 1960): Catalogued with great historical and cultural value around the world.
  • Ray (USA, 2004): A beautiful movie that recounts the life and work of one of the greatest jazz musicians, Ray Charles.
  • Django (France, 2017): Chronicles the life of the famous guitarist and composer Django Reinhardt, the first European jazz musician.
  • Soul (United States, 2020): It tells the story of a music teacher who suffers an accident before he can fulfill his dream of becoming a renowned jazz musician.