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 saxophonist Ted Nash “We Shall Overcome,” 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!
THE WONDERFUL WORD OF LOUIS ARMSTRONG
JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER ORCHESTRA WITH WYNTON MARSALIS
A century ago, Louis Armstrong changed the course of American music with his Hot Five and Hot Seven recording sessions, producing perhaps the most important records in jazz history. Now, Blue Engine is proud to release Wynton Marsalis’ The Wonderful Word of Louis Armstrong, which finds the famed trumpeter breathing new life into this seminal music alongside celebrated multi-instrumentalist Vince Giordano and members of both their bands.
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.