Kofi Jezile
This paper explores how artistic and technical mixing approaches shape modern jazz recordings by incorporating mixing techniques and creativity that preserve the virtues of jazz music. In general, mixing plays a key role in shaping the outcome of a musical recording, and jazz being an art form that takes pride in artistic expression through the reaction of energy between musicians, mixing is used as a way of representing those captured moments to listeners. This study further investigates mixing choices that emphasize experimental and minimal processing and how these approaches have an effect on the emotional engagement and interpretation of listeners.
This research aimed to investigate several objectives, the main one focused on artistic and technical mixing approaches in modern jazz recordings.
To aid in fully understanding the scope of this research, it was also important to understand the role of the mixing engineer as a creative contributor in jazz production. Highlighting that the choices made in the mixing process can either enhance or diminish the original intent of the musician's vision.
Through a combination of professional interviews and listener-based surveys, the study examines how various mixing decisions affect audience perception, engagement, and interpretation of the music. By analysing both expert insights and listener responses, the project aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of mixing as an essential and expressive element in contemporary jazz production.
The project outcomes were interesting. Listener participants (through the survey) described the minimally processed jazz mix as more emotionally engaging than the experimental mix. However, listeners preferred the experimental mix as it provided an interesting listening experience due to the exploration of creative effects such as reverb and delay. At the end of the survey, participants agreed that mixing does play a role in the perception of music. Proving that mixing approaches can shape jazz recordings and the emotional response of listeners.
Kofi L. Jezile is a producer, mixing engineer, and artist based in Dublin, Ireland. He approaches making and mixing music similarly to a photographer, prioritising the moment and emotion within his work. He uses sound as a medium to tell a story stemming from his appreciation of jazz music, which thrives in artistic expression and capturing the truest form of a recording.
