The Jazz Solution is a global solution for any diverse society. It is a strategy, perspective and culture that 21st century citizens need to become globally and culturally competent in our rapidly changing society. American society is not just simply multicultural any longer. America’s domestic population is more global than ever, with more than 45 million immigrants among us.
The problem is that despite the rapidly changing demographics, we still have unresolved issues. Worse, more new issues are emerging nonstop in a country that will soon become a minority majority nation. Unless we transform our culture, our society won’t serve all of the individuals with diverse backgrounds. The philosophy of the Jazz Solution was developed to address the transformational needs of diverse citizens in our global America.
“I’ve found you’ve got to look back at the old things and see them in a new light,” said jazz saxophonist John Coltrane. In my native country of Japan, new ideas often emerge from very old ideas. The beauty of our ancient culture lives on in the contemporary art of Japan. I’d like to discuss the old/ new cultural perspective that America embraces – jazz.
Many Americans believe its mainstream culture is western – just an extension of Europe. To me, America is both western and non-western. This nation is historically and traditionally bicultural.
Jazz is a nexus of diverse voices. It is a unique American format that combines the high context culture and musical elements of Africa, yet it enables individuals to shine as individual soloists – originally using the instrumentation of the American and European marching band. Jazz is a synthesis.
To fully understand the important features of a jazz ensemble, it is useful to compare it to the structure of a European classical orchestra. The collaborative structure of an orchestra is hierarchical – just like most businesses. An orchestra has an authoritarian leader who exercises strict control over the musicians. The conductors express their directions with a stick. Jazz ensembles may have a leader, but it is a much looser form of leadership, with room given for individual variety and structural flexibility.
Orchestras use printed sheet music. All of the notes are written out and the musicians must follow them, whereas Jazz ensembles use general charts, and players are encouraged to improvise. Orchestras are closed systems; all of the parts are written out for specific instruments. Jazz ensembles are open networks; almost any kind of instrument can join in a jam session.
First and foremost, orchestral musicians must focus on the conductor, whereas jazz players must closely listen to each other, and respond accordingly.
Are you interested in learning more about jazz thinking transformation? I look forward to serving you. Please check our services and contact me.