Jazz and Politics

This blog has been dormant for some time, probably since 2015, but that does not mean that my passion for this uniquely American music has waned. I have written about jazz mostly since then at All About Jazz. But I offer a short reflection on jazz and politics sparked by a book I started reading.

As a jazz aficionado and political conservative (but not a Trump fan), I sometimes observe that conservatives are hostile to jazz as a destructive force. Richard Weaver thought so, and I responded to this screed at All About Jazz some time ago. On the other hand, today I was reading a book of jazz history and interpretation called Living Space, which casually dropped a line that the progress made in free jazz was somehow counteracted by a turn to the right in politics. This was offered as self-evidence and not elaborated on. Perhaps the author will elaborate later in the book.

Jazz is sometimes tied to cultural and political rebellion. It gave voice and expression to many African- Americans during segregation and Jim Crow. Rebelling against evil is good. Rebelling against good is evil. But conservativism in politics does not mean to conserve racism, but rather allow for liberty under law for the common good. There is nothing anti-jazz about that nor is jazz against that.

Later this year, a book will be published called "Theology and the Blues," which will feature a chapter by me called, "Racial Progress Through American Music: Spirituals, Blues, Jazz, and Beyond," which outlines how blacks have advanced their cause through music. This was originally a chapter in my book, "Fire in the Streets," which is a critique of Critical Race Theory. However, when the manuscript swelled beyond the original word limit, it had to be excised. My appreciation for black achievement in music and politics through music is not contradictory to the Christian-conservative vision I articulate in "Fire in the Streets."

 "Most Reluctant Convert"

Kathleen and I just finished watching "Most Reluctant Convert," which is the story of C. S. Lewis's conversion. The entire narration and much of the dialogue is taken directly from Lewis's writings, such as "Surprised by Joy" and "Mere Christianity." As the story progresses, a compelling apologetic for Christianity is built up. I have never beheld anything like this: a full apologetic argument told through narrative based on a brilliant man's story and performed well--despite the inexplicably inapt beginning and ending of the film.

I have not used this page for about three years. Why not post something now?

The New Jerusalem comes down from heaven as God’s gift of cosmic restoration and not as the culmination of human progress. Nevertheless, it is a glorious city—not a restored garden—which bears the uniquely human touch.

—Truth Decay, Douglas Groothuis,  p. 255 

This Blog Has Moved!

Please join me on my new website, www.DouglasGroothuis.com, which will be the new site of The Constructive Curmudgeon blog. While I will no longer post here, the old blog will remain as an archive.

“The book, that stubbornly unelectric artifact of pure typography, possesses resources conducive to the flourishing of the soul. A thoughtful reading of the printed text orients one to a world of order, meaning, and the possibility of knowing truth.” - Douglas Groothuis

Sunny Groothuis

On Miles Davis

Miles Dewey Davis was born on this day eighty-eight years ago. This musical genius excellent at playing his trumpet, composing, and leading various bands with members such as John Coltrane, Bill Evans, Tony Williams, John McLaughlin, and Wayne Shorter. No one could play the horn with such sweetness--and such fire. Miles's work on mute is without peer as well. He brought out the best in nearly all the musicians in his bands. A book of his paintings was recently released as well.

Sadly, Miles the man was another story. He was famously moody, fathered several children out of wedlock, was foul mouthed, beat at least one of his three wives, and was for long periods addicted to drugs.

I suggest that you listen to some Miles Davis today or tomorrow. The classic is "Kind of Blue," but his early fusion was remarkable as well. Consider "In a Silent Way" and "Bitches Brew."

Davis illustrated the Pascalian principle of "deposed royalty." He was a prince of a musician, but a pauper in his moral life. There is no evidence that he sought the grace of God in Christ for his redemption. Nevertheless, we can receive much of his music as gifts from the Giver of every good and perfect gift. 

Jazz

Jazz makes up only a small part of the music market; but it makes up a giant part of American history and culture. It is something uniquely American, although it thrives offshore in places like France and Japan.

After attending a jazz performance last night, I realized again the hospitality and conviviality of jazz--the easy enjoyment, fellow-feeling, and buoyancy of the music. Jazz musicians tend to smile at each other during performances--and root each other on--more than any other musical form I have seen. Jazz musicians know the standards--the canon of traditional tune--and can play them without rehearsal. They esteem history and deep feeling.

I love jazz. You should, too.

Beyond Crood: A Film Review

The film, "The Croods," is based on the general assumption that humans evolved from sub-human creatures. This is the humorous story of their ascent. While I don't accept this Darwinian explanation of man, the film is worth seeing for several reasons.

First, the computer animation is stunning (at least to me). The characters' expressions and gestures, the landscapes, and the animals (all hybrids of known animals) are so far from the animation that I saw as a child that it seems to come from another civilization. (Maybe it does.)

Second, while the films assumes a naturalist view of the world, it undermines itself wonderfully. The Crood family begin as fear-based pre-humans (or semi-humans) whose only goal is not to die. But their teenage daughter wants more. She wants to live and be curious. By meeting a more evolved character, the Croods begin to think about "tomorrow" and end up "following the light."

It is all delightfully done, mind you--the hyper-slapstick and constant verbal and physical humor can be nearly hysterical. But it does not fit Darwinism, which allows for no transcendence of the material world. The Croods, you, see begin to act beyond instinct and conditioning. They dream; they explore; they hope. They are not merely evolved animals.

Thus, the human essence, made in God's image and likeness, shines through even this supposedly Darwinian tale, which makes it even better. This also chimes in with a New York Times article which recently related that an atheist group was holding "services" and wanted more of a sense of "transcendence."

Almost everything I need to know I learned from my mother (1930-2010):

1. Pray.

2. Say "please" and "thank you."

3. Ladies first. That means opening doors in and out.

4. Write thank you notes.

5. Don't interrupt people.

6. Italian food is the best.

7. Show special concern for older people.

8. Finish what's on your plate. I had an intuitive sense of this.

9. Stay in touch with family and friends.

10. Write letters to the editor.

There is more, but thank you again, Mom.