The Politics of Authenticating: Revisiting New Orleans Jazz

The book The Politics of Authenticating: Revisiting New Orleans Jazz offers a grounded theory of 'authenticating as a basic socio-political process' to understand the origins, development, and consequences of competing knowledge claims in diverse areas of human experience and activity. It is part jazz historiography, part autoethnography, and part memoir, documenting Richard Ekins' quest for authenticity in the social worlds of international New Orleans revivalist jazz.

Format: Hardback
Length: 204 pages
Publication date: 15 October 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

The Politics of Authenticating: Revisiting New Orleans Jazz presents a groundbreaking perspective on the study of authenticity, departing from the traditional pursuit of uncovering its "true meaning" or debunking its claims. Instead, it offers a robust grounded theory of "authenticating" as a fundamental socio-political process, crucial in comprehending the genesis, evolution, and ramifications of diverse knowledge claims across various domains of human experience and endeavors across time and space. This book seamlessly blends elements of jazz historiography, autoethnography, and memoir, chronicling Richard Ekins' exploration of the quest for authenticity within the social realms of international New Orleans revivalist jazz from the early 1960s onward. Through his lens as a social constructionist social scientist and cultural theorist, Ekins revisits this pursuit, capturing the vibrant energy and dynamism of his conversations with his interlocutor (Robert Porter) in the writing of the text. This approach yields a "riff methodology" that other scholars can employ to revisit aspects of their personal and professional lives, adding depth and richness to their scholarly endeavors.

The book's genesis can be traced back to a series of in-depth and engaging conversations between Ekins and his interlocutor, Robert Porter. These conversations, characterized by their depth and richness, served as the foundation for the book's writing. The authors have aptly described this process as a "riff methodology," drawing inspiration from the musical term "riff," which refers to a short, catchy melody or motif. Just as a riff can be repeated and transformed to create new musical compositions, the authors have employed this methodology to revisit and reinterpret aspects of their personal and professional lives. By doing so, they have produced a text that is not only informative but also captivating, offering a fresh perspective on the study of authenticity.

The Politics of Authenticating: Revisiting New Orleans Jazz is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary scholarship. By blending elements of jazz history, social science, and cultural theory, the authors have created a work that transcends traditional boundaries and offers insights into the complex interplay between identity, culture, and power. The book's exploration of the quest for authenticity in the context of New Orleans revivalist jazz provides a rich tapestry of experiences and perspectives, showcasing the diversity and complexity of the human experience. Whether one is a scholar of jazz history, social science, or cultural studies, this book will undoubtedly inspire and provoke thought.

In conclusion, The Politics of Authenticating: Revisiting New Orleans Jazz is a groundbreaking work that challenges our understanding of authenticity and offers a fresh perspective on the socio-political processes that shape our knowledge claims. Through its interdisciplinary approach and "riff methodology," the book provides a valuable resource for scholars and researchers interested in exploring the complexities of human experience and the role of culture in shaping our world. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the world and the forces that shape it.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666917741