Jazz as a Political Force

About the Project

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

In the introduction to their 1971 book Free Jazz / Black Power, Philippe Carles and Jean-Louis Comolli argue that the new jazz music of the 1960s and 1970s cuts against the traditional functions and beauty supposed of music, expressing rather political ideas or sentiments, such as testament to oppression, revolt and revolutionary struggle (2015, p.3). This raises important questions of how or even if music can, beyond its lyrical contents and titles, convey political ideas and carry political force. What is, or would be, political music? How does or can the non-verbal function in relation to political struggle and the movements that sustain it?

We invite applications from candidates wishing to engage in a doctoral study exploring these and related ideas.

Academic Qualifications

A first degree (at least a 2:1) ideally in music, philosophy, political theory or social sciences.

English Language Requirement

IELTS score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 6.0 in each of the four components). Other equivalent qualifications will be accepted. See the University webpage: https://www.napier.ac.uk/study-with-us/international-students/english-language/english-language-requirements

Essential attributes

• Experience of aspects of musicology, philosophy, political science
• Competency in academic research skills
• Knowledge of music and contemporary philosophy
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Strong motivation, with evidence of independent research skills relevant to the project.
• Good time management

Desirable attributes: an enquiring mind and innovative approach

Deadlines & timescale: Our standard entry times for research degrees are October and March, but you can make your application at any time and it will be considered for the next available intake. Our normal deadline for application for an October intake is 31 May ; for a March intake it is 30 November.

Funding Notes

This is an unfunded project.

References

Indicative bibliography:
- Attali, J., 1985. Noise: The political economy of music (Vol. 16). Manchester University Press.
- Carles, P. & Comolli, JL., 2015. Free Jazz / Black Power
Jones, L. (1968) Black Music.
- Gebhardt, N. and Whyton, T., 2015. Cultural Politics of Jazz Collectives. Taylor & Francis
- Hersch, C., 1995. " Let Freedom Ring!": Free Jazz and African-American Politics. Cultural Critique, (32), pp.97-123.
- Kernodle, T.L., 2014. Black women working together: Jazz, gender, and the politics of validation. Black Music Research Journal, 34(1), pp.27-55.
- McKay, George., 2005. Circular breathing: The cultural politics of jazz in Britain. Duke University Press.
- Monson, I., 2009. Jazz as political and musical practice. Musical improvisation: Art, education, and society, pp.21-37.
- Sandke, R., 2023. Where the dark and the light folks meet: Race and the mythology, politics, and business of jazz (Vol. 60). Scarecrow Press.