The Most Democratic

Tomorrow is Super Tuesday. Some 24 states will hold primaries or caucuses, which will most likely help point out who will be running for President come November. By various blog posts and the blatant sticker on the bottom of this blog, I think it is clear who I am supporting in this contest. So I don't think we need to talk about that. Here's hoping for the best.

I would like to talk about another bastion of the American democratic tradition. No, not football. Definitely not baseball (I'm still quietly seething over the Santana trade). Apple pie? No. Definitely not rolling easter eggs on the White House lawn. No liberty bells, constitutions, or slave owning founding fathers either.

No, I think I'll talk a bit about jazz.

Jazz, you say. Isn't that devil music? Well, not quite. This semester, I'm fortunate enough to take a class on the history of jazz from an instructor I quite admire (who also happens to be my jazz director). These first few days, he's raised a few questions about jazz that I have found to be quite profound. Maybe not questions, but talking points. For quite a while now, I've recognized that jazz has a unique place in the American consciousness. It's a distinctly American form of art, perhaps our only original form. But I guess I haven't thought deeply about why. Check this shit.

1. Jazz is the most democratic music, and best represents certain basic American values

Jazz promotes individualism within a group, as a soloist improvises on the spot within the confines of a certain melodic or rhythmic structure. When you see live jazz, you are literally witnessing music being composed instantaneously. It is the ultimate musical expression of individuality, something that Americans cherish. But the framework of improvisation is just like the nation. That is, we are free to be ourselves, but within the confines of the laws of the land. The beautiful thing about jazz is that it encourages individuality. The great musicians of jazz are those who made their own styles, who sounded different from everyone else. Compared to a classical setting, where one is expected to sound a certain way, this is a huge shift. If one wishes to be a jazz giant, they must sound different from everyone else. Additionally, the music represents innovation. As Tony put it, Americans are always trying to improve on everything. In jazz, the envelope is always being pushed, always being expanded, always being improved upon.

Crazy stuff, right? Concepts I've never really thought about before

Keeping with my affinity for lists, I will know list a few jazz albums essential to any lover of music. Admittedly, my own jazz library is quite limited, the result of realizing the importance of jazz at an advanced age. But, I have some ideas. Here they are.

1- Kind of Blue, Miles Davis


This may well be the greatest album in jazz history (I wrote a paper on it). It is simply sublime, created by a verifiable all-star lineup. Everyone needs to own this.









2- Ellington at Newport, Duke Ellington



Worth it for the amazing rendition of "Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue." A seminal moment in jazz history, the joy of the crowd and the incredibly energy of the musicians will make you want to dance yourself into ecstasy.






3- The Trombone Master, J.J. Johnson


This album is important because it shows how the trombone can be utilized with the same dexterity of a trumpet or sax. Johnson was the greatest jazz trombonist of all time, and this is a good intro CD.








4- Live at the Village Vanguard, Bill Evans


Probably one of my favorite albums. I love Bill Evans, and the interplay between him, Scott La Faro and Paul Motion is simply amazing. The pinnacle of jazz trio playing?








5- Time Out, Dave Brubeck


Great album with innovative use of complex meters. Can't get enough.