“Knowing there was a better day ahead, jazz musicians looked to the future, and then they played and they sang...It’s the artistic wisdom of these great artists that makes us realize that we can’t become adjusted to injustice. We can’t let despair have the last word, because the struggle for freedom is not a destination, but a never-ending journey. “ - Byron Stripling - trumpeter, bandleader, arts leader
Jazz has long served as a vehicle for expression and evolution in times of change. Presented by Jazz Arts Group, “Jazz & the Struggle for Freedom” focuses attention on issues of race, diversity, civil liberties, and mass incarceration, and features musical counterpoint through jazz, blues, R&B and gospel styles.
In addition to Byron Stripling and Michelle Alexander, “Jazz & the Struggle for Freedom” features Columbus, OH musicians Bobby Floyd (piano), Reggie Jackson (drums), Sydney McSweeney (vocals), Dr. Milton Ruffin (vocals/guitar), Kevin Turner (guitar) and Andy Woodson (bass).
This footage is an excellent companion to jazz band/vocal ensemble teaching, or an addition to a general music curriculum. We encourage music educators to share the transcript of Byron Stripling’s monologue with their students, as well as the musical segments from the entire video. Additionally, we’ve compiled a playlist of original recordings referenced by Byron Stripling in his monologue.
Topics for Discussion:
Byron Stripling describes the “highly emotional singing of gospel songs” in his monologue, referring to gospel music as “musical dynamite”. What musical components do you hear in “Walk With Me”, “His Eye Is On The Sparrow” and “Amazing Grace” that contribute to this highly emotional style?
The blues is one of the earliest forms of expression about the African-American experience in the United States. It was created by African Americans in the South of the United States during the late 1800’s, and it is a musical way to express feelings of hard times, pain, suffering and oppression, along with hope for a better tomorrow. Discuss and explore the ways in which the sound of the blues, as well as blues lyrics differ from other forms of music.
Consider the fact that the blues, gospel music and jazz contain improvisation as a core element of the music. How do you think this contributes to the ability for a musician to express emotion? Can you improvise a musical phrase or idea to evoke emotion through your instrument?
Soul and R&B musicians such as James Brown, Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye and Nina Simone loved jazz, blues and gospel music. Often, their bands consisted of musicians who were well versed in all of these styles. When you listen to the playlist on this page, can you hear musical connections between each of these styles?