On a Musical Level → Jazz Music and Gender
Hi XXXX,
Thank you so much for writing and giving me all the wonderful compliments! All I’ve done is confront a debilitating medical condition. I’m no braver than anyone who goes through a medical crisis. I’m very fortunate in that there’s been no need for expensive plastic surgeries in order to help me “pass” in everyday life.
My somewhat high-profile unfortunately makes it difficult for me to be “stealth” in my career. It seems the musicians I play with are all aware of my story. Most are very nice, others are indifferent, and a lot of them make jokes when I’m not around. That’s their problem. I’ve always played for myself, no matter if the situation is a garage or Carnegie Hall.
The recent article about me in the L.A Times has been instrumental in helping me gain a measure of acceptance amongst the musicians here in L.A. by showing how we’re so divided along gender lines. It’s sparked more than a few debates on the subject. I hope it helps in changing some attitudes. Recently a young lady in one of my clinics asked about the bias against women in the music business. Although I’m perceived more as a transsexual by many of my peers, there are enough of them who relate to me as a woman that it makes me quite an expert, (having
seen it from both sides).
You just don’t see many women in the field of straight-ahead Jazz. The opportunities are rare for a woman to develop her skills by playing with superior players. The only solution I can see is for individual players to work so hard on their musicianship that they reach a point where they can’t be ignored. Soon there will be enough high level women players that we can band together and exclude men! Just kidding, but we have to work harder than the guys and also support each other!
There are opportunities for singers, especially if they’re attractive. Male eyes seem to decide who gets the attention. Tommy Tedesco used to have an expression, “People hear with their eyes”, something I’ve experienced often lately. Human nature seems to be very animalistic, and the sexual lures and innuendo are difficult to ignore. Now the public is looking at me in a completely different way, my appearance seems to have become an asset and my music is starting to be accepted as somewhat artistic. I’ve seen so many women musicians in the Jazz world become more masculine than the guys in trying to find acceptance. I think that is a mistake. Whatever your gender identity or sexual preference it’s essential to project yourself as the person you are. I played a role for so long, it’s such a relief to finally be myself at all times.
All the best,
Jennifer
November 15, 2003
