New Books in Critical Theory Kelsey Klotz, "Dave Brubeck and the Performance of Whiteness" (Oxford UP, 2023)
Jan 5, 2026
Kelsey Klotz, a music scholar and lecturer, dives into the complexities of Dave Brubeck's legacy and his relationship with whiteness in jazz. She explores how Brubeck's performances influenced perceptions of race during pivotal moments in American history. The discussion reveals how critics racialized Brubeck's music, the cultural implications of his mainstream appeal, and the challenges faced by his integrated quartet. Klotz also highlights the significance of Brubeck's works, like the "Gates of Justice" cantata, in bridging communities. This multifaceted analysis encourages a deeper understanding of race and identity in jazz.
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Whiteness As Performance
- Whiteness functions as a set of performative behaviors that circulate and reshape over time.
- Kelsey Klotz uses Dave Brubeck to show how individual acts of 'goodness' can still reproduce structural white privilege.
Classical Language Racialized Jazz
- Critics racialized 'cool jazz' by using European-classical terms like fugue and counterpoint to signify intellectual, white artistry.
- The Modern Jazz Quartet's similar counterpoint was described differently, preserving narratives of black swing and natural talent.
Swing As Racial Gatekeeping
- 'Swing' became a racialized, ineffable standard used to admit or exclude musicians from jazz legitimacy.
- Critics weaponized claims that Dave Brubeck 'didn't swing' to question his jazz authenticity as his fame rose.
