ALMOST EVERYWHERE THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO ARE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO PICK UP THEIR SPIRITS
What the world needs now is something that brings us together. Something that binds us together. Something that will pick up our spirits.
Fortunately in every corner of the world there is something that is so universal that all of the world can identify with it. Music lifts us up and is everywhere. It can be found where there is a school, a community center, a local bar/restaurant with room enough for a band. It can be just a guy with an instrument on the corner or a bunch of kids with sticks and something to beat on. Probably in your neighborhood there will be some music coming up out of a basement and someone upstairs listening to recorded jazz. All music has the power to heal and the power to invigorate. Music can bring smiles and calm when it is most needed. It gets us thinking. If you are in love, listen to the music of the brook going by. If you need a jolt out of your complacency you can crank up the music.
How times change. All music used to be local. The sounds of your surroundings became the music of your village. As people traveled their music came with them. African lullabies and rhythms ended up in Ireland. Western music influenced eastern music and vice versa. Some ended up in New Orleans, and jazz was born.
Today music streams instantly around the world, with the power to influence and change. Like good wines this blending keeps the music fresh.
THERE IS ONE MUSIC THAT IS ACCEPTED UNIVERSALLY: JAZZ
One of the most potent elements that has been blended into the music around the world has been America’s most positive export, its jazz.
Jazz has tentacles that have stretched across all of earth’s continents. The democratic structure and freedom of jazz welcomed all. America found its voice. Jazz grew out of an emerging and growing America, and has now spread to others. Jazz music has created a universal spirit of adventure that now lives side by side with the traditional music of most countries, One day a year the world salutes not just jazz but the rich story of its origins.
TO HONOR JAZZ’S CONTRIBUTION THE WORLD CAME UP WITH:
In appreciation of this remarkable music UNESCO has declared that the last Saturday in April will be designated as International Jazz Day.
This past weekend the celebration began on Friday night with the International Jazz Day All-Star Global Concert, on the south lawn of the White House.
At the concert President Obama gave this description of jazz.
“Jazz is driven by an unmistakably American spirit … It is, in so many ways, the story of our nation’s progress, born out of the struggle of African-Americans yearning for freedom. Forged in a crucible of cultures — a product of the diversity that would forever define our nation’s greatness.”
HERBIE HANCOCK
On Saturday there were hundreds of concerts held in over two dozen other countries, and in venues throughout Detroit. The biggest event was in New York City where our UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock said the following about jazz, “It’s America’s music, born and bred in America, that has spread its wings throughout the rest of the world. I’m really excited about International Jazz Day because so many artists from various countries and genres have a connection to jazz and will be able to honor this music that has had a profound effect on them. I hope that this day spreads the joy of spontaneous creation that exists in this music.” He followed with. “My feeling is that jazz will be getting its just due.”
NEXT YEAR THE WORLD WILL HAVE ANOTHER INTERNATIONAL JAZZ DAY AND ONCE AGAIN SHOW ITS LOVE OF THE MUSIC
I was struck that this worldwide celebration is scheduled each year at the end of Jazz Appreciation Month in the U.S. I was not aware we had a full month dedicated to jazz. Maybe It just slipped my attention. I certainly didn’t hear it from the the White House or on the campaign trail. Maybe jazz is somewhat like a neglected child. We can easily take for granted a child who is always good and plays well by itself.
This whole year we will have plenty of Jazz growing up in our backyard. We are so fortunate to live in a town that offers music 365 days a year. Jazz is alive in Detroit and remains authentic to its roots. One way to show you care is to come out and support live music. Show your love. All year.
SOME WORLD CLASS MUSIC IS COMING TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD.
MICHAEL ZAPORSKI
This coming week at the Dirty Dog Jazz Café Michael Zaporski will be featured. Michael creates music that merges American jazz traditions with a West-African-influenced rhythm. Michael demonstrates the influence of his travels to Africa through his haunting melodies and driving rhythm. Expect some straight ahead piano in the American jazz tradition
In the coming weeks Michael will be followed by: Randy Napolean, Anthony Stanko, Tia Fuller, Dennis Coffey, Pete Siers and Roy Hargrove
John Osler
FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO: http://: dirtydogjazz.com
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