#JazzCallForFreedom
Since its inception earlier this year, the #JazzCallforFreedom has united artists from all over the world behind the common cause of speaking out against injustice. Dozens of renowned musicians have recorded their own responses to the call, performing works that speak to our current moment and rally audiences under the banner of democracy. Here, you can explore their #JazzCallForFreedom submissions, all in one place.
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!
Explore All JazzCall Submissions
Watch Luca Moretti’s #JazzCallForFreedom Submission
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.
Explore Let Freedom Swing
Jazz at Lincoln Center’s education program Let Freedom Swing brings outstanding performances to communities all over the United States, using jazz as a metaphor for—and instrument of—democratic values. Offering performances, workshops, collaborations, and instrumental clinics for audiences of all ages, Let Freedom Swing explores a wide range of jazz topics through the lens of American history. Since 2013, Let Freedom Swing has reached over half a million people in over 3,500 concerts around the world.
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.