#17
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Jazz sounds around the world as the gilded voice of those who have risen
from the dust of bondage to take hold of the reins of the chariot moving
toward universal emancipation. The popular musicians of the present
generation will ever be indebted to the unheard voices of victims of slavery
whose forgotten cries linger in the sphere of the spirit of man.
-
Jazz: The Unmasked Rhetoric
©
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THE GIFT OF JAZZ
(Madlyn Evans' response to Marc Fisher's article on WPFW's Elections)
Here we go again.
Are we declaring WPFW a God of some sort?
IS OR WAS 1977, the establishment of a holy throne for Jazz through WPFW?
After 26+ years, three wars, at least 6 Presidential elections, and the growth of a full generation of Americans, and we, African Americans, are singing the same tune to the shakers and movers of this country, "Please save our musical heritage through Your radio stations, Your music distribution centers, Your marketing venues, etc." There must have been some respect for Jazz by the leadership of WPFW, otherwise, Jazz music would not have lasted as their main course of dining, since 1977.
Either we believe the origin of this music or we don't. If the mother Spirituals sustained our foreparents, why in this world are some of us getting panicky when we are in a better position to perform whatever task necessary to preserve this music and it's history. Let us do this through the educational process in our own venues.
WE MUST TAKE OWNERSHIP OF THIS BABY IF WE WANT IT TO BEAR OUR NAMES. IT COSTS TO BOSS.
We have got to stop talking BLAME, and be proactive in what our hearts believe in. Why can't we own and operate Jazz stations around the world? Why can't we own global satellites that over see the educational aspect of this music and it's history We most certainly can. African Americans have no problem with building large Churches , owning fraternity houses , financing annual sorority affairs, having expensive funerals (put away nicely), and supporting many more expensive fleeting moments of self gratification .the Bible states that young men have visions and old men have dreams. Where do we as a people fit into this statement. A visionary would have seen this period of time coming down the road. A dreamer would have collaborated with the visionary and today WPFW would not be a part of our conversation, one way or another.
Yes, there is an angry tone to my opinion because I cherish the gift of Jazz and it's workable qualities. It is more beneficial than any politics ever could be; and yet, a majority of the citizens in the African American communities are not aware of this fact. The music is for the entire universe, and it's originators are throwing the ball into the court yards of the OTHER FOLK. Shame on us.
For
those of you who are serious about Jazz and it's being heard around the
world, go to www.aajc.com, join IAJE -
AAJC, and get busy. America is about making Money, not Love. The only taste
of love to be gotten in this world is through the Holy Scriptures and Jazz.
In My Opinion,
Madlyn Evans
WPFW
(89.3 FM in Washington, DC) is one of the few AFRICAN AMERICAN-oriented
public or community radio stations in this country -- founded by black
folks, managed by black folks, and largely staffed by black folks, with
majority black programmers, throughout its 26+ year history. And it
was black folks who wrote that original mission statement regarding jazz.
I don't know if that responds to your concerns or not, but perhaps it gives
you sufficient background.
Peace,
Willard Jenkins
www.openskyjazz.com
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