In the view of esteemed American musician and songwriter Wynton Marsalis, jazz is a unifying force that exceeds boundaries and connects people through a shared human experience.
Having engaged in a conversation in Beijing as he started a string of shows in China, Marsalis boasts an extensive career spanning several decades, during which he has garnered nine Grammy awards and traveled globally with his Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (JLCO).
In his 62 years, the dedicated teacher has consistently highlighted the transformative impact of jazz in addressing societal and political challenges.
"The art of jazz is the art of achieving balance," Marsalis expressed to AFP.
"There's nothing that the world needs more at this time than to be able to communicate differences of opinion."
The @jazzdotorg Orchestra is getting ready for sound check at the beautiful National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing. Our show theme tonight is “We Got Rhythm” @27thBMF
— Wynton Marsalis (@wyntonmarsalis) October 9, 2024
📷: Luigi Beverelli pic.twitter.com/D7OnjHkhfe
Marsalis was born in 1961 in New Orleans and was raised in a household filled with celebrated musicians steeped in the deep cultural roots of the American South.
Initially setting his sights on a career in classical music, Marsalis started his musical journey by entering Juilliard in 1979.
After careful thought, he decided to forge ahead, establishing initial collaborations with key figures in the jazz world, such as Art Blakey and Herbie Hancock, setting the stage for his journey in the music industry.
"I draw inspiration from everywhere. It could be from a pretty lady, it could be a poem that I read, it could be the way a person speaks."
"I can write frivolous things that are just happy and then I can write very serious things that are about serious subjects like life and death and prejudice and ignorance."
"I don't feel relegated to one or the other."
A spontaneous performance for young students before today’s Q&A session at the Beijing Music Festival. For the next two days, we will be performing at the National Centre for the Performing Arts pic.twitter.com/OQqsx2QFr2
— Wynton Marsalis (@wyntonmarsalis) October 8, 2024
In his long career in the public eye, Marsalis has consistently used his musical expertise to bring attention to sensitive political matters.
Drawing parallels between current tensions between the United States and China and his upbringing, Marsalis reflected on the need for agreement.
As he reminisced about his childhood, he shared his brother needed music to sleep, while he found it impossible to do so with music playing, adding, "We have to figure out how to achieve balance."
He further revealed that when he visits different nations, his intention is not to impose his beliefs or dictate how things should be done.
Instead, Marsalis reportedly views himself as a visitor, seeking to discover shared values that can enhance our ability to connect and communicate effectively.
The seasoned jazz musician has built a legacy of upholding the genre's roots. He deliberately chose to resist the trend of incorporating electric elements into jazz, a movement that gained momentum in the 1970s through influential figures such as Miles Davis.
At the core of Marsalis's being lies a profound respect for the traditions of his artistry.
His father, Ellis Marsalis Jr, a scion of New Orleans, left an indelible mark as a famous jazz pianist and mentor before succumbing to COVID in 2020 at 85.
Rather than seeking to leave a definitive legacy, Marsalis humbly acknowledges his place within the archives of history.
"I'm part of a legacy. My father, he passed away, but I try to live up to what he did and continue things."
"There are going to be other people who will do things, and they'll do significant things. The world is a very complicated place."
