Dr. Thomas Manuel: Jackson Pollock, Jazz, and American Culture

In this episode, we dive into the world of Jackson Pollock through his personal record collection with the help of jazz musician and historian Dr. Thomas Manuel. Discover how Pollock's love for jazz influenced his art, the impact of jazz on American culture, and the importance of preserving its legacy. We also discuss the parallels between abstract expressionism and jazz, and how music shapes our lives.

Dr. Thomas Manuel is a jazz historian, educator, cornet player, and the Endowed Artist in Residence Chair of the Stony Brook University department of jazz. He is also the founder and president of the Jazz Loft - a jazz museum and live performance venue located in historic Stony Brook village.

Follow The Jazz Loft on Instagram @thejazzloft.tjl

Thank you to our members and to everyone who supports our work here at the Pollock-Krasner house. To find out more about us and Dr Manuel’s work, please visit the show notes below. Thank you.

Follow us on Instagram @pollockkrasnerhouse

About the podcast:

In March of 2024 we began inviting special guests into the historic painting studio of Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner for conversations about creative pursuit. In this endeavor, we are guided by Krasner's imperative: “I never violate an inner rhythm. I loathe to force anything…I have regard for the inner voice.”

In our inaugural season, we welcome curator Matthew Yokobosky, harpist Emily Hopkins, jazz historian Thomas Manuel, and other guests who will share stories and insights about their creative journeys, which we hope will connect you with your own inner rhythm. We also showcase one-of-a-kind musical performances set in the studio itself.

Join us for these conversations and performances, available in audio and video on all podcast platforms and YouTube at @pollockkrasnerhouse.

Inner Rhythm is produced by Peconic Pictures.

Subscribe to us on all podcast platforms.