Why jazz music will never die

Jet, Feb 16, 1998

Famed saxophonist Kirk Whalum points out that in jazz there's a "need for one musician to have somebody else to talk to with an instrument, and there is the need in the soul of every jazz listener to be communicated to on that high level. As long as that need is there and there are musicians anxiously waiting to fill it.... then jazz will certainly never die."

T.S. Monk, famed drummer, son of the late legendary jazz performer Thelonious Monk and chairman of the Monk Institute, believes jazz is surviving, "because it continues to renew itself. Any art form that pushes the envelope is likely to persist."

Jazz saxophonist Donald Harrison says jazz is everlasting because it represents America's democracy and freedom. "Jazz stresses the individual leader and the group at the same time. The music is so sophisticated and challenging it forces an individual to play at his best and at the same time, he helps to make the group sound its best. Everyone in the band has a chance to contribute. Jazz makes you be the best that you can be."

Rising jazz singer Kevin Mahogany, who is carrying on the rich tradition of the music, points out, "Jazz music has always been adaptive; it has always taken the best of every other style of music and incorporated it into its own. So jazz will never die because it keeps re-inventing itself."

Acclaimed jazz vocalists Cassandra Wilson, Dianne Reeves, Vanessa Rubin along with such brilliant musicians as Joshua Redman, Marcus Roberts, Terri Lyne Carrington, Roy Hargrove and Mark Turner are among the growing number of young performers who are taking the music to the next level.

Turner notes, "With all the up-and-coming talent that's out there in the world of jazz, it's impossible for the music to die."

Popular saxophonist Kenny Garrett agrees that the future of jazz rests on the young performers. "There's a resurgence of the music playing ... we just need more people to support the music."

Veteran saxophonist-bandleader Illinois Jacquet quips, "Jazz is as American as bacon and eggs. That will never change. People will always eat bacon and eggs, and they will always want to hear some good jazz played."

He adds on a serious note, "Jazz music is God's gift, and the score will never end."

Famed musician James Moody sums up the lasting appeal of jazz: "As long as there's intelligence on earth, jazz will never die."