Completing the Circle: Investigating the Mutual Influence of Jazz Musicians and Audiences

In this thesis I investigate the mutual influence of jazz musicians and audiences. I develop the concept of ‘lift-off’ and identify the key contributing factors that lead to these moments. I discuss the importance of the following elements: the social aspect of live performances and the value participants place upon it; openness; the influence of the visual; the sense of narrative; and the influence of the space. Through this research I argue that quiet musical moments generate intimate atmospheres of engagement and immersion which resonate with performers and audiences. The conclusions of this thesis are founded on the ethnographic observations I made at jazz concerts in Wellington from my perspectives as performer, composer, and listener, and follow-up interviews conducted with audience members and musicians from those events.