Live Jazz in Dallas, Texas
Reflecting upon the state of jazz in the state of Texas, it’s alive and well.
A recent club date was big-time proof that the art of improvisation lives in the hearts, minds bodies and talents of some very fine young musicians here.
Was I dreaming, or did the magnificent sax player in my band have the breathy, full-bodied tone of Lester Young?
And the drummer, a master of brushwork – did I conjure him up from some sort of long-lost yearning? No, it was real, alright.
And there’s an audience for it, too.
A quiet, listening audience.
The audience listens to us, and we listen to each other.
All of it’s an art form – a skillful interaction of live, in-the-moment musical conversation that’s withstood the test of time to emerge better than ever.
This is how we keep the music playing, with the love and support of a community that understands culture.
Thank you, Dallas. I’m mighty proud to know you.