Rhythm Changes: Jazz Cultures and European Identities


Project Summary

This project examined the inherited traditions and practices of European jazz cultures in Austria, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, and the United Kingdom. It was the first collaborative humanities project to explore the complexities of jazz as a transnational practice and its relationship with changing European identities.

The project developed new insights into cultural exchanges and dynamics between different countries, groups and related media. Rhythm Changes was broken into five distinct subprojects that linked directly into the theme of Cultural Dynamics. The project aimed to develop a broader understanding of the relationship between:

  • counterpoint
  • tradition and myth
  • community
  • identity

Over a three-year period, Rhythm Changes achieved a significant impact on the field of jazz studies, generating a body of work that has challenged the way in which jazz cultures are represented and understood. The project offered a model for cross-disciplinary working, networking, and knowledge exchange.

Prof. Tony Whyton

Project Leader

Birmingham City University
United Kingdom


Project Partners

Prof. Tony Whyton

Project Leader

Birmingham City University
United Kingdom

Email

Dr Anne Devinge

University of Copenhagen
Denmark

Email

Prof. George McKay

University of East Anglia
United Kingdom

Email

Dr Petter Frost Fadnes

University of Stavanger
Norway

Email

Prof. Walter van de Leur

University of Amsterdam
Netherlands

Email

Prof. Franz Kerschbaumer

University of Music and Performing Arts of Graz
Austria

  • Birmingham City University

    Birmingham City University

  • University of Copenhagen

    University of Copenhagen

  • University of East Anglia

    University of East Anglia

  • University of Stavanger

    University of Stavanger

  • University of Amsterdam

    University of Amsterdam

  • University of Music and Performing Arts of Graz

    University of Music and Performing Arts of Graz

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