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by Hal Melia Let's Spread the Gospel of Jazz (And Have Some Fun, Too!) As I step into the presidency of the Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors, several thoughts come to mind. First, I am so GLAD this organization exists! As a working musician and jazz educator, I find myself in the position of constantly spreading the gospel about America's Classical Music. Having a support organization such as the KCJA helps to facilitate my efforts in amazing ways. People are quick to ask me what my goals are with the organization. I can tell you that, having spent the last two years observing the Jazz Ambassadors in action, my goals are the same as those of the group in general. They are:
In my view,
this can be accomplished rather simply; we have to talk to each
other! Jazz in Kansas City is a historical artifact; I would like
to see it become current events. There are many, many talented musicians
who are plying their craft and creating wonderful music in this
area. That fact should be celebrated, and people should be made
more aware of what is happening in the jazz scene here. I hope our
organization can continue to help do that.
It is important to educate our young listeners to the entire gamut of music, from Bach to Wayne Shorter and beyond, in order that they are equipped to make an informed decision about their own musical tastes when they begin to populate our clubs. We're not hearing much jazz on the radio, and network television is no help, so we'll just have to do it ourselves. It is important to celebrate and enjoy the talents of our young players, whether it be at a Mutual Musicians Foundation jam session late into the night on Saturdays, at Tommy Ruskin's jam session at Fedora on Saturday afternoons, or at a high school jazz festival. Our young, aspiring musicians need our encouragement, because it's hard to play jazz music well, and it takes a lot of thankless effort to become good at it. They should know that audiences hear where they are going with the music, not just where they are right now. They should know that at the other end of the practicing tunnel is the light of appreciation from people who have journeyed with them every step of the way. It is important that all the good people who do such hard work promoting music in this community -- whether it be at 18th & Vine, the Folly Theater, the Jazz Workshops, The Kansas City Star, The Pitch, the Kansas City Symphony, venues with live music, the KC Blues Society, our own organization and many others -- learn to communicate with each other and change the spirit of competition to one of cooperation. Most of all, I think jazz is fun! You don't get to see a painter or a sculptor or a poet at work on their pieces very often. But you do get to see jazz musicians creating right there, in the moment, bringing to bear all that they are and all that they know in one monumental effort. To me, that's exciting, and scary, and fun!
Hal Melia is a Professor of Jazz Studies at the University of Missouri/Kansas City. RETURN TO FEBRUARY/MARCH 2003 MAIN INDEX © Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-2003. All rights reserved. |
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