There are moments when a project born in front of a computer—and from the passion of a 28-year-old Italian girl—suddenly comes to life through people.
For Le Jazziste by Mary, one of those moments happened in Graz, Austria, thanks to the invitation of the Lindy Cats, a vibrant community of dancers and swing enthusiasts that has been promoting jazz culture in the Austrian city for years through classes, events, and social dance evenings.
When I was invited to give a presentation on women in the history of jazz, I immediately accepted with enthusiasm. Speaking about jazzwomen to a community that experiences this music through dance felt like a special opportunity: a different way of sharing my research project while, at the same time, observing how these stories continue to spark curiosity and create new connections in different environments.
A glimpse of the workshop/presentation
A small journey through the history of women in jazz
During the presentation, we embarked together on a journey through some of the key figures in the history of jazz.
We began with the International Sweethearts of Rhythm, one of the first major all-female jazz orchestras. Founded in the United States during the 1940s, they challenged not only gender stereotypes but also the rigid racial barriers of their time, becoming one of the most extraordinary symbols of inclusion and freedom in jazz history.
We then focused on Lil Hardin Armstrong, pianist, composer, arranger, and bandleader, whose contribution to Louis Armstrong’s career and to the development of jazz was fundamental, although it remained underappreciated for many years.
Finally, we remembered Mary Lou Williams, one of the most influential musicians of the twentieth century. Pianist, composer, arranger, and mentor to entire generations of jazz musicians, she moved effortlessly through swing, bebop, and modern jazz, leaving behind an artistic legacy that continues to inspire musicians all over the world.
In the background of the presentation, the faces and music of many other extraordinary jazzwomen were also featured, including harpist Dorothy Ashby and organist Shirley Scott—a small invitation to continue listening and to let curiosity lead us toward artists who made fundamental contributions to the history of jazz and who still deserve to be rediscovered today.
One of the things I love most about these encounters is observing people’s reactions.
There is always someone taking notes or photographing a slide to remember a name.
Someone who, at the end of the presentation, asks me for a listening recommendation or shares a personal experience, perhaps connected to marginalization—the very same marginalization that many jazzwomen experienced and faced throughout their careers.
It is precisely in those moments that I remember why Le Jazziste by Mary was born.
Not only to tell the stories and perform the music of female jazz musicians.
But to spark curiosity, offer new ways of listening, invite people to broaden their understanding of jazz, and connect History with our own life stories.
Because sometimes a single story is enough to change the way we listen to this wonderful music.
At the end of the event, we all started dancing—of course!
And perhaps that was the most beautiful moment of the entire day.
Because I realized (besides discovering that I love dancing Lindy Hop!) once again that jazz does not live only in concerts, research, musical practice, books, or films.
It lives in people and in the communities that continue to come together.
In the curiosity of those who choose to listen to something they had never heard before.
And that is exactly where I hope Le Jazziste by Mary will continue to live as well.
With kindness and swing, always.
Mary 🌹
