Jazz Corner: Women's Special

As we celebrate Women’s Day this month here’s an ode to the ladies in jazz

- Sunil Sampat

The month of march is very special. For me, it marks the month in which some of my most favorite people were born. They brought me joy when they were born and continue to provide an undiminished supply of the very same.

They are all women.

I have always believed that women are awesome. No guy will dispute this; I don’t imagine any women will either. But this is a column about music and particularly jazz music. Let me attempt to speak of women in the context of jazz.

I have been intrigued for some time by one question. Do women approach music, particularly jazz differently from men? Do they hear it differently, do they play it in any way different and do they appreciate it in any way different from men?

After all, women play the same sports, tennis for example, as men but they somehow bring an elegance to their endeavor that is absent in the men’s version of the sport. Even in writing, women seem to deliver a more subtle impact. Is it just my imagination or is there something to my theory?

What better time than on this wonderful Women’s Day to try and explore the subject. Here is my attempt.