An applied investigation of Ian Pearce's mature output : interpretation and reinterpretation of traditional jazz within a Tasmanian context

Ian Pearce (1921 - 2012) was an iconic figure within the Australian jazz scene, and pioneer of traditional jazz performance practice in Tasmania. His development and approach to the assimilation of traditional jazz practices provide a model for solving the problems arising from artistic isolation, and underpin the development of his unique creative voice. This research project takes Ian Pearce's contribution as a case study, analysing his development and improvisational modalities, in order to uncover a method of interpretation and reinterpretation of traditional jazz within the context of Tasmanian jazz heritage, that in turn has enhanced my own performance practice. This project documents processes of experiential learning through performance based on a folio of original work including commercial releases The Last Sheiks (2013) and Post Matinee (2016), and two live concert recordings. The accompanying exegesis contextualizes this research conducted through performance, adopting an auto-ethnographic approach for critical reflection on the work in the folio. It also includes a body of transcriptions of Pearce's work that provides a unique contribution to the understanding of the musical language of a key figure within Australian jazz; an area of academic study that has thus far been under-represented.