November 05 2008
Although I am a white Canadian male, my life is soaked through and through with the American music of largely African-American provenance: Jazz.
Up here in Canada, Barack Obama's election is causing a lot of excitement. While there is a sad streak of anti-Americanism up here, as in much of the Western world, while some Canadians love to hate America, I believe most Canadians would love to love America. Our southern sister, our neighbour on this semi-detached part of the continent. The Bush presidency has made that love difficult for many.
The upcoming Obama presidency holds the promise of change- Yes we can -and that explains the excitement, in part.
I share that excitement. I was inspired as a youth by Martin Luther King, and by the music coming from the African-American community in Rev. King's lifetime. There was not only the popular music of the day (R&B, Soul) but the Jazz of Coltrane, Miles Davis, Oscar Peterson, and even the Jazzers from a bygone era, like Willie 'the Lion' Smith and Duke Ellington.
Listening to Barack Obama, one is inspired by the conviction, the eloquence, the virtuoso use of rhythm and tone, the phrasing. There is a music to Barack Obama's discourse. While it may not be Jazz, it is something any Jazzer can appreciate.
Like many, we hope the substance of the Obama presidency will meet the promise of the campaign, that the main act will be as good as the opening.
My friend and esteemed colleague, pianist Mark Eisenman, American-born, now living in Canada, wrote a beautiful post he's given me permission to share:
"Quite a wild ride wasn't it?
"Writing as a New York born Jew who has lived in Toronto since 1972,
whose father survived Aushwitz, after last night, I can say that I
woke up today for the first time in years not being embarrassed to be
a American.
"In fact I think I'm proud for a change. I just wish Mom and Dad
could've been alive to see this...... President - Elect Obama!
"He's got a lot on his shoulders, but if anyone's up to the challenge
he is. With any luck the country (and the world) will get behind him.
"No surprise that people in Canada (and around the world) seem
ecstatic, and for the first time in a long time, hopeful."
Hallelujah and amen.
blog comments powered by Disqus
A brilliant adventure. On his latest recording, My Mother's Father's Song, Ron Davis embraces both his family's rich cultural heritage, and boldly re-engages with the jazz standard.
- click here for details
Please subscribe to Ron's monthly email with updates, announcements and photos. You'll get a free MP3 or PDF of Ron's music when you sign up.
- click here to join
