Jazz: The self, the group, society and jazz. Café Psychologique 24 April

Jazz has its roots in African music, coming into being through the African slave communities in the southern states of the USA in the early 19th century. It quickly spread far and wide and now there is barely a country in the world that doesn’t have some kind of jazz scene. For all that it is global it is also a subculture, adored by millions but rejected by many. It clearly divides opinion. As Frank Zappa supposedly put it: ‘Jazz isn’t dead, it just smells funny’. This cafe isn’t just about Jazz as a musical art form and the psychology of how it can provoke such powerfully differing opinions. We shall also look at the role jazz plays in providing a sense of identity and what it can do to put people in touch with themselves and each other.

One of the interesting, and sometimes troubling things about jazz is that it relies so heavily on improvisation, leaving the listener uncertain of what will happen. For some that is exciting, for others unsettling and unwelcome. In our conversation we shall look at how jazz is created by the interactions between people and how it can provide a means of development, growth and change. We shall also look at how it emerges from, reflects, and can shape the societies in which it is created.

Whether you love or hate jazz, in whatever form, there will be something for everyone to talk about, and in our improvised conversation we hope something beautiful and cathartic might emerge. Just like jazz.

This café will be introduced by Jim Bailey, a retired psychotherapist and jazz fan, on Tuesday 24 April at 8.00 pm to 9.45 pm in Seven Arts, Chapel Allerton, Leeds. The Café costs £4 on the door.

There is a poster to download here:
Café Psychologique April 2018

You can read the Café Rules here: Café Psychologique Rules