DescriptionThis project is the interweaving of two stories: women in jazz and the power of improvisation. A performance in three acts, Part I explores the history of women in jazz through an intersectional lens followed by an examination of jazz and interviewing as improvisatory arts. Part II presents interviews with six contemporary female jazz instrumentalists: two saxophonists, a pianist, a bassist, a trombonist and a violinist. Conversations are viewed as improvised duets in which I perform as a member of the ensemble, bringing my own voice, rhythm and musicality to play. Interviews are interspersed with post-performance commentary to complete each arrangement. Part III deconstructs common themes from these conversations, discusses the current status of women in jazz, and contemplates the promise improvisation holds in a broader context.