| dc.description.abstract | This dissertation examines the geography pertaining to the radio format and subgenre of contemporary / smooth jazz from three different perspectives. First, the geography of audience consumption is investigated by studying the regional popularity of smooth jazz broadcasting on FM radio since the late 1980s, along with where jazz artists and groups have toured over the past fifteen years, with consideration given to both market locations and popular types of concert venues. Second, the musical landscapes of smooth jazz, a largely instrumental music, are investigated by examining how specific and generalized places suggested programmatically in song titles are portrayed through musical elements extending beyond text, such as melody, harmony, rhythm, tempo, instrumentation, texture, etc. Finally, by looking at the imagery found in smooth jazz album covers, music videos, and other promotional material, the visual sense of place will be constructed for this music, along with the image, status, and lifestyle that are associated and packaged with smooth jazz. This research will offer academic attention to a style of music that has been largely neglected by scholars despite its undeniable commercial success. This dissertation will also add to the literature in the growing sub-field of music geography, showcasing approaches by which other genres of music can be studied geographically beyond the too-often used method of analyzing song texts. | |
