Jazz Recorder

Jazz is one of the most exciting musical styles, not least because it sometimes seems to be a hotbed of contradictions; for example, it is at once a world of strongly entrenched traditions, and home to a scene which thrives with innovation and experimentation. And while there are those whose devotion to the heyday of the big bands will never waiver, many fans and musicians in the world of jazz are always ready to welcome new ideas – provided they are presented competently, and with respect.
Where does the recorder fit in all of this? While the instrument is not without form in the jazz world, the general feeling is that it has been somewhat overshadowed historically by instruments such as the clarinet and cornet. One respected online source lists a single jazz artist among a list of 50 prominent recorder players. But for anyone who feels that jazz recorder might be their ‘thing’, that just means they have an almost blank canvas to start from!
How can we make the case for jazz recorder as a movement? The recorder itself is a type of fipple flute, one of the very oldest melodic musical instruments, so its provenance is not in doubt. It long pre-dates many traditional jazz instruments. And while the main arena of recorder playing currently – the baroque and early music movement – may be based on historical documents which form the basis of the classical tradition, there can be little doubt that recorders and recorder-like instruments have been played in other contexts such as some types of folk music throughout history. See its close relative, the Celtic ‘tin whistle', as an example.
Jazz has always been a very accommodating host, welcoming instruments with textures and sounds from outside it’s own roots, and in this context the recorder has much to offer. With a three-octave range and a catalogue of techniques which can bring out various colours and nuances in its tone, the recorder has similar qualities to various other instruments which have played melodic and accompaniment roles in jazz bands. And in the hands of players like Andrew Collis, there's no reason to think jazz recorder could not become such an established style as baroque recorder, jazz saxophone, or rock guitar.
Andrew Collis is a recorder teacher from London who believes that his instrument has been sold short in the public consciousness. While it's true that most of us remember recorders only from primary school music lessons, this instrument is far more than just a toy. As mentioned above, recorders have a list of features which enable them to match many other ‘serious' instruments in terms of expressiveness, and they can bring something new to the table in many ensemble situations. Perhaps, by pursuing the concept of jazz recorder, Andrew will finally win the instrument the respect it deserves. Jazz is ‘musician's music’, and if the recorder can make it here, it can make it anywhere.
To discuss the concept of jazz recorder, or to book lessons or performances, contact Andrew Collis online.