Jazz and Democracy: A Life in Advocacy
The Art of Freedom: A Life in Jazz, Creativity, and Advocacy
After nearly five decades of performing, composing, teaching, and advocating, I’ve come to see my work as an artist through a singular lens: the pursuit of freedom. Whether onstage improvising a jazz solo, in the studio painting an abstract canvas, or mentoring a student halfway around the world, the act of creating has always been a deeply personal expression of liberation. Creativity allows us to push boundaries, to explore what’s possible, and to connect with others in ways that transcend words and cultures.
Freedom as a Creative Act
The act of creating—whether composing music, painting, or improvising—is the ultimate first-person expression of freedom. It’s not just about producing something beautiful; it’s about discovery, risk-taking, and the courage to bring an idea to life.
“ When I’m at the piano or in front of a canvas, I feel this freedom viscerally. Each note or brushstroke is an unrepeatable moment, a direct translation of thought into action.”
Creativity as a realm of complete immersion—a space where time and reality dissolve, leaving only the pure essence of artistic expression.
This belief was crystallized for me by my mentor, Chick Corea. Chick described creativity as a world he could inhabit fully—a place where time and reality dissolved, leaving only the purity of artistic thought. "If you're aware of that sense," he told me, "nurture it, protect it, and develop it every day for the rest of your life." His words were a revelation, and they shaped not only how I approached my work but also how I saw my role as a teacher and advocate for jazz.
“Freedom is not a static ideal but a living, breathing process. It demands effort, courage, and a commitment to nurture the creative spirit, both in ourselves and in others.”
Transcending Borders
Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to see firsthand how jazz and creativity have the power to cross boundaries. As a Fulbright Specialist, I had the honor of teaching jazz to students in Chile who were hungry not just for the mechanics of harmony or improvisation, but for the ethos of self-expression that defines the art form. For them, jazz was more than music; it was a window into individuality and freedom.
Creativity and Cultural Diplomacy
Creative bridges across cultures
In another chapter of my journey, I worked with U.S. Army Bands, training musicians to embrace the freedom of improvisation and creative collaboration. Whether in a university classroom or a military workshop, the message was the same: jazz is a universal language, one that embodies democracy, individuality, and the power of listening. It’s a conversation—crossing geographic, linguistic, and cultural divides
These experiences have taught me that creativity is not just a personal act but a profoundly communal one. Through jazz, I’ve seen people from vastly different backgrounds find common ground. It’s a reminder that freedom and connection go hand in hand, and that the arts are uniquely suited to fostering both.
A Life in Motion: Sharing and Learning Through Music
Performing for audiences for nearly 50 years has taught me the power of connection. Music transcends language, geography, and politics, creating a shared space where barriers fall away. Whether playing to intimate jazz clubs or concert halls in the United States or performing for enthusiastic audiences abroad, I have experienced firsthand how jazz can bring people together. The joy of improvisation and the dialogue between performers and listeners is a reminder of what is possible when freedom and individuality are allowed to flourish.
Two Desert Dances
My travels as a performer and composer have allowed me to explore the depth of other cultures. From incorporating rhythms and melodies inspired by the deserts of the American Southwest in compositions like Two Desert Dances to integrating archival Native American recordings into jazz, my work reflects a deep respect for how different traditions inform one another. These cultural exchanges have not only enriched my music but have also deepened my understanding of the universal human desire for expression.
Uncovering and Preserving Jazz History
Research has been a cornerstone of my career, allowing me to connect with the rich tapestry of jazz's past while illuminating its path forward. Key areas of focus include:
The History of Jazz Drums: Chronicling the evolution of rhythm in jazz and the drummers who shaped its sound.
American Film Composer Jerry Goldsmith: Exploring the works and legacy of one of Hollywood's most innovative musical voices.
Iconic Jazz Performances: Unearthing and preserving lost gems like the groundbreaking "Just Jazz" video series.
Oral Histories: Capturing stories from jazz luminaries like Dan Morgenstern to ensure their contributions are remembered and celebrated.
Jazz as Cultural Diplomacy
One of the most transformative chapters of my life has been using jazz as a tool for cultural diplomacy. Through speaking engagements at world conferences, discussions with military leaders, and teaching jazz improvisation to students eager to explore individuality and freedom, I’ve come to see how powerful jazz can be as a bridge between cultures. My work as a ProJazz Institute in Chile exemplified this mission, as I worked with students to not only teach them the mechanics of bebop harmony and improvisation but also to share the ethos of jazz: creativity, risk-taking, and self-expression.
In these moments, I witnessed how deeply jazz resonates as a symbol of democracy. In settings where individuality and freedom were often questioned or constrained, jazz offered a new way of thinking—a celebration of collaboration that values every voice in the ensemble.
Research and Creativity: Inseparable Partners
My dual roles as an artist and researcher have always informed one another. Research deepens creativity, and creativity drives research. From studying the rich traditions of Native American music to rediscovering lost jazz video performances, my explorations have always pushed me to expand my artistic horizons.
Blu-Escape
This intersection of art and inquiry is perhaps most evident in my recent album, Blu-Escape. Each track is accompanied by a piece of visual art I created, blending sound and sight into a multidimensional experience. This project was not just about music or painting—it was about storytelling, about using every tool at my disposal to communicate something universal.
Jazz as Cultural Diplomacy: Discussions with Military Leaders
Throughout my career, I have passionately advocated for the role of jazz as a symbol of democracy and freedom, often finding myself in unique conversations with individuals in positions of power. One of the most memorable encounters was with Major General Mark MacCarley, advisor to the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) at the Pentagon, the nation's highest-ranking military body tasked with advising the President of the United States.
Our discussions centered around the idea that jazz is not just music; it is a cultural force capable of bridging divides, fostering dialogue, and representing the ideals of democracy. Since the Cold War era, jazz has served as one of America’s most effective cultural exports, a soft power tool used to demonstrate the values of freedom, individuality, and creative expression inherent in democratic societies. We spoke about how, during the Cold War, American jazz musicians like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Dizzy Gillespie were sent abroad as cultural ambassadors under the U.S. State Department's Jazz Ambassadors Program. These artists weren’t just performing; they were living examples of democracy in action, improvising freely and working collaboratively while demonstrating excellence and individuality.
Jazz, as I explained to the General, is a living symbol of democracy. Its improvisational nature mirrors the democratic process—spontaneous yet structured, individual yet collective, a delicate balance between freedom and responsibility. In jazz, every voice matters, but the group thrives when its members listen, adapt, and contribute. These are the very qualities that define democratic societies.
Understanding Global Dynamics
Major General MacCarley engaged with me on how jazz embodies the very principles the United States seeks to promote internationally.
Our conversation delved into how jazz continues to serve as a diplomatic tool, even in contemporary settings. Whether it’s teaching jazz improvisation in Chile as part of my Fulbright Specialist missions or leading workshops with U.S. Army Bands, the music provides a platform for dialogue and mutual understanding. Jazz becomes more than a genre; it becomes a shared language capable of transcending cultural and ideological barriers. Major General MacCarley’s insight and engagement on this topic were profound. He recognized that jazz could play a role in shaping perceptions of America abroad—not through force, but through the soft power of art. He noted how music has a unique ability to reach hearts and minds, often succeeding where conventional diplomacy falls short. Together, we reflected on how jazz's ethos of freedom and creativity aligns with the values of democracy that military leaders strive to protect.
This dialogue reinforced my belief in the enduring relevance of jazz as a cultural bridge. Just as jazz helped thaw tensions during the Cold War, it continues to be a vital tool in fostering understanding in today’s complex global landscape. It is a reminder that art can often do what politics cannot—bring people together, inspire change, and illuminate the shared humanity that binds us all.
Jazz and Democracy in Action
These conversations have left an indelible mark on my life as an artist and advocate. They underscore the profound role that jazz can play in advancing democracy, fostering diplomacy, and uniting people across borders. Whether performing on global stages, mentoring students eager to explore the freedom of jazz improvisation, or engaging with military leaders like Major General MacCarley, my mission remains clear: to champion jazz as not just an art form, but as a powerful symbol of the ideals we hold dear.
By continuing this work, I hope to inspire future generations to see jazz not only as a celebration of artistic excellence but also as a living testament to the power of democracy and cultural diplomacy.
“These are not just musical principles; they are democratic values, and they have come to shape not just my performances but the core of my life’s work.”
Teaching Freedom Through Improvisation
Teaching has always been a vital part of my journey. Whether leading masterclasses for U.S. Army bands or mentoring the next generation of jazz musicians, I see my role as not just imparting musical skills but fostering a deeper understanding of what it means to create and innovate. Improvisation, the heart of jazz, is an act of freedom. It challenges musicians to trust themselves, listen to others, and embrace the unknown—all while working within a shared framework. Teaching this art to other cultures and students seeking their own voices has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.
A Commitment to Advocacy
As my career has evolved, my role as an advocate for jazz and democracy has taken on increasing importance. Jazz is more than an art form; it’s a reflection of the values we hold dear—freedom, individuality, collaboration, and innovation. It’s a living testament to what we can achieve when we listen to one another and embrace our shared humanity.
In my teaching, I emphasize these values as much as technical skill. I encourage my students to explore their own voices, to take risks, and to see improvisation as a metaphor for life itself. Whether mentoring young musicians, performing on international stages, or leading workshops, my goal has always been to inspire others to embrace the transformative power of creativity.
The concept of embracing creativity and infusing artistry into every interaction
That idea—of living creatively, of making every interaction an act of artistry—has guided me throughout my career. It’s why I compose, why I teach, why I paint.
“You don’t have to make music; you can just live music.”
Looking Ahead: The Endless Possibilities of Art
As I reflect on my journey, I’m struck by how the threads of music, art, and advocacy have intertwined. Each performance, each painting, each lecture has been an opportunity to share something larger than myself: a belief in the power of creativity to connect us, to challenge us, and to set us free.
In the end, my work is not just about notes or colors or words. It’s about freedom—the freedom to dream, to create, and to share those creations with the world. That, to me, is the essence of art, and it’s a privilege I will never take for granted.
After nearly five decades of performing for audiences around the globe, composing music inspired by the cultural richness of world traditions, and diving deep into the history of American film music and jazz, my journey as an artist, educator, and researcher has taken many paths. Yet, in the past decade and a half, one thread has emerged as the most defining and enduring aspect of my work: advocating for jazz as a living symbol of democracy.
Jazz is more than just an art form; it is a reflection of freedom, collaboration, and individuality. It is a music of conversation—between musicians, between cultures, and between ideas. It thrives on improvisation, the courage to take risks, and the discipline to channel those risks into meaningful expression.
But most of all, I am proud to have used jazz to champion the values of freedom, individuality, and collaboration. In an era where these ideals often feel under threat, jazz remains a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we listen to one another, take risks, and create something greater than ourselves. It is this message that I hope to carry forward, continuing to use music as a bridge between cultures, a tool for education, and a celebration of the human spirit.
Jazz is more than just an art form; it is a reflection of freedom, collaboration, and individuality.
It is a music of conversation—between musicians, between cultures, and between ideas. It thrives on improvisation, the courage to take risks, and the discipline to channel those risks into meaningful expression.
But most of all, I am proud to have used jazz to champion the values of freedom, individuality, and collaboration. In an era where these ideals often feel under threat, jazz remains a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we listen to one another, take risks, and create something greater than ourselves. It is this message that I hope to carry forward, continuing to use music as a bridge between cultures, a tool for education, and a celebration of the human spirit.
