I Love Jazz

I Love Jazz

​for marimba and voice, one player, 1991
music by Graeme Leak
text by Frankie Lee
Watch Graeme performing the piece here

A story with marimba accompaniment in the style of the African Griots, running approximately 5-6min.
Much of the text is verbatim from overheard conversations in Sydney nightclubs.
Although first written and performed in 1991, the issues in the story (around music likes, dislikes and the extent that these are linked to fashion and image) are just as relevant today.
The performer is encouraged to work with an actor, vocal coach or theatre director to develop a relaxed, confident and conversational delivery.
There are many references in the text that might need to be adjusted to the current fashion and cultural context – these have been bracketed [thus] and the performer is free to replace these with lines that work best in their world.