I (Lucy) don't know anything about jazz. I'm not a musician. The other day whilst sipping a half of milk stout in a pub I randomly mentioned that I worked with a jazz musician. This was swiftly followed by responses of 'I hate jazz'. But then a conversation ensued… 
 

Jazz seems to be a word that is thrown about like a coat in the lost property section. No one is quite sure that they want to be seen in it but they've all tried it on at some point. As a genre it seems to be applied to anything that doesn't quite fit into the mainstream which can cause confusion. What is it? Do I like it? Perhaps describing jazz as an ‘it’ is where the potential muddle lies. From what I can gather (and for what it is worth) I have observed that jazz is like an action - to ‘jazz’ it up. I often use this phrase when making a salad and then proceed to add tangy dressings, fragrant herbs and more unconventionally bung it in the oven!

I have probably been quite naive in thinking that jazz is merely a style or genre of music. I have probably been led to believe (brainwashed) by the marketeers and the educational establishments into thinking that jazz is a particular thing. But potentially seeing jazz as more of an action, an unspecified embellishment or ‘shaking up’ sits far better with me (as an artist) and also as a ‘fan’ of jazz. It puts the extraordinary artistry of Miles Davis into perspective. He embodied this concept. As did Jimi Hendrix. Pillars of jazz!
 

I have often felt like I'm not welcome amongst certain jazz communities that pop up now and again. I don't play an instrument or perform in what many would consider to be a ‘jazz style’ - I move about, talk, paint, take my clothes off. It's just not jazz! For similar reasons I doubt I would be welcome at the bowling club either (although perhaps they would be a little more open minded).
 

I recognise and understand that people like to pay homage to a certain sound and presentation based on a particular ('jazz') hero that they may have. Lots of musicians sound very similar (to me). That's fair enough. But jazz is far bigger than this in my opinion. We could be ‘jazzing up’ everything and anything. Creatively this excites me and makes total sense. We could and should kill the cliches and embrace the potential of what we could and should be with a bit of ‘jazz’ in our lives - but if somebody tries to tell you what jazz is (like I am) you could always ‘jazz up’ their definition in some way and feel satisfied that you're keeping its spirit alive.