Why Wynton Marsalis thinks jazz is the perfect metaphor for democracy

Key Concepts

• Jazz as a Democratic Metaphor: The belief that jazz, through improvisation and collective swinging, mirrors the ideals of a pluralistic democracy.
• Call and Response: A fundamental musical technique in jazz used here as a framework for civic engagement and dialogue.
• Art of the Invisible: Wynton Marsalis’s description of music’s ability to influence human consciousness and emotions at a deep, intangible level.
• Civic Engagement: The responsibility of artists to use their platform to address societal divisions and promote shared values.

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1. The "Jazz Call for Freedom" Initiative

Wynton Marsalis, the artistic director of Jazz at Lincoln Center, has launched a new project titled Jazz Call for Freedom. This initiative is designed as a response to the current political climate, which Marsalis describes as a time of "bad leadership" and national peril.

• Objective: To foster a "creative vision" that brings a pluralistic America together through music.
• Methodology: The project utilizes a video series where professional musicians select and record brief clips of songs from the past that resonate with contemporary societal challenges.
• The "Call and Response" Framework: By releasing these videos, the project invites citizens across the country to respond with their own musical expressions, creating a national dialogue.

2. Notable Examples and Case Studies

The project features various musicians interpreting historical pieces to address modern issues:

• Cecile McLorin Salvant: Performed Stevie Wonder’s "Visions."
• New Jazz Underground: Performed Sonny Rollins’ "Freedom Suite."
• Jazz Academy Students: Performed "America the Beautiful."
• Chris Lewis: Performed McCoy Tyner’s "Contemplation." Lewis notes that Tyner’s piece, written during the 1960s civil rights movement, serves as a reminder to be contemplative about both internal and external societal conflicts.

3. Philosophical Arguments: Jazz and Democracy

Marsalis argues that jazz is uniquely suited to heal societal divisions because it teaches two core democratic principles:

1. Individualism vs. Collectivism: Jazz requires the individual to make a statement (improvisation) while simultaneously "swinging together" with the group.
2. Respect for Pluralism: Marsalis emphasizes that jazz teaches that one’s own belief system is not the only valid one. Musicians can hold different perspectives yet still create harmonious art together.

4. Historical Context and Legacy

• "Let Freedom Swing": A component of the project that revisits a 2004 live performance featuring jazz compositions paired with texts from historical figures like Nelson Mandela (read by Morgan Freeman) and Václav Havel (read by Alfre Woodard).
• Educational Mission: Marsalis highlights his long-standing commitment to preserving the tradition, exemplified by the "Essentially Ellington" festival, which has supported high school musicians since 2011.

5. Institutional Transition

A significant development mentioned is that Wynton Marsalis will step down as the head of Jazz at Lincoln Center next year.

• Perspective on Retirement: Marsalis clarifies that he is not retiring from music, stating, "Musicians don't retire." He intends to remain involved with the institution as needed while making space for younger, talented musicians to lead.
• Motivation: He views this transition as a natural progression, emphasizing that his life remains defined by the service of jazz.

6. Significant Quotes

• "Music is the art of the invisible. So it touches things deep inside of us." — Wynton Marsalis, on the power of music to influence consciousness.
• "The main element of jazz and performances is call and response and communication... it's that musical element personified, but with this political charge." — Alexa Tarantino, on the Jazz Call for Freedom initiative.
• "I cherish my own freedom dearly, but I care even more for your freedom." — Nelson Mandela (quoted via the Let Freedom Swing project).

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Synthesis and Conclusion

The Jazz Call for Freedom project serves as a bridge between artistic expression and civic duty. By leveraging the inherent democratic structure of jazz—where individual voices contribute to a collective whole—Marsalis seeks to combat the "blindly flailing" state of modern discourse. The initiative posits that music is not merely entertainment but a vital tool for fostering empathy, contemplation, and community in a divided nation. As Marsalis transitions out of his leadership role at Lincoln Center, his focus remains steadfast on the "urgent and necessary" nature of jazz as a vehicle for social cohesion and the preservation of democratic values.