Our democracy is under relentless attack from abiding political polarization, deep cultural fragmentation, and a rising movement towards authoritarianism.
In times of such uncertainty throughout American history, jazz has spoken in a clear voice to reaffirm democratic values.
JazzCall for Freedom answers that familiar call through a coherent civic response.
#JazzCallForFreedom
Each week, we’ll be featuring new performances by artists under the JazzCall for Freedom banner. This week, catch Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra members Dan Nimmer (piano) and Paul Nedzela (baritone saxophone) performing “With Malice Toward None,” and stay tuned to YouTube and our social accounts to watch more videos in the weeks to come.
Want to add your voice to the chorus? Stand up and be counted: use the #JazzCallForFreedom hashtag and tag @Jazzdotorg to join the movement. Your response can take many forms—music, song, spoken word, dance, visual art—so long as you’re answering the call!
LET FREEDOM SWING
JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER ORCHESTRA WITH WYNTON MARSALIS
On Let Freedom Swing, the latest release from Blue Engine Records, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis celebrates the charismatic leaders who gave voice to the struggle for freedom. Originally recorded live during a 2004 concert, the album features six stunning, sprawling musical commissions that paint a backdrop for inspirational oratory on liberty by Václav Havel, Lyndon B. Johnson, Robert F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Jr., Nelson Mandela, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Desmond Tutu.
Delivering these leaders’ inspirational words are modern icons including Rev. Calvin O. Butts III, Patricia Clarkson, Glenn Close, Keith David, Mario Van Peebles, and Alfre Woodard.
WE THE PEOPLE
JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER ORCHESTRA WITH WYNTON MARSALIS
We the People grew out of an historic collaboration between Jazz at Lincoln Center and the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. We the People transmutes art from masters such as Romare Bearden, Thomas Cole, Stuart Davis, and Grace Hartigan into a stunning big band portrait of our nation’s history.
This stirring work reflects on America’s unparalleled cultural contributions to the world and reveals how the arts can bring us all together.
America the Beautiful
As part of the JazzCall for Freedom initiative, Jazz at Lincoln Center is providing free sheet music for Wynton Marsalis’ arrangement of “America the Beautiful.” Watch Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Jazz Academy students performing the arrangement and perform the chart with your own band!
Support Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Work
Help the JazzCall for Freedom reach more ears. Support Jazz at Lincoln Center’s work to spread jazz—and the American ideals it champions—all over the world.