The secret jazz fan: a tale of sublimation featuring film and music

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the way in which film can introduce jazz to a wider audience.Design/methodology/approachThis study applies the method of subjective personal introspection (SPI) to the area of film and music consumption. The paper reports on insights provided by two researchers through using SPI to investigate their relationships to film and jazz music. In so doing, the paper adopts a Bourdieuian frame in applying a reflexive methodological approach and considering the role of cultural and symbolic capital in influencing these consumption practices.FindingsThis paper found that aside from the recognition problem facing jazz, episodes of sublimation may prevent potential audiences from increasing consumption of jazz music.Research limitations/implicationsIn common with all SPI studies, the focus of the research is very narrow. While the indepth insight provided here is of use to scholars of arts consumption, further research should explore the prevalence of sublimination in arts communities in order to extend this further.Practical implicationsThis study moves our understanding of why consumers may not develop their consumption relationship with jazz music. The findings can be used by jazz professionals in addressing ways in which consumers may overcome their lack of cultural capital and the emphasis placed on this by the wider jazz consumption community.Social implicationsThe paper investigates issues of inclusion and exclusion which should have wider social relevance.Originality/valueThe paper addresses the issue of participation in the arts and should be of value to academics and arts marketing practitioners alike.