But here we are in 2023, and what is old is new. We are limping through a pandemic, the likes we last experienced 100 years ago. Firearms are now the leading cause of death for youngsters, and conservative politicians are reluctant, if not refusing, to pass sensible gun laws to limit military-style automatic weapons and establish and reinforce background checks, and in fact are loosening existing gun laws. Women’s reproductive rights are being limited, if not eliminated, in many states, often with punitive legislation. Gender-affirmative care for trans youth is being outlawed in several states. Textbooks and lessons about Black, Jewish, LGBTQ+ history and/or concerns are being banned from schools. Gerrymandering and making the vote more difficult for people of color are being instituted. To top it off, climate change is drastically changing our weather and topography, causing massive environmental destruction.
Thankfully, many of today’s jazz musicians, including Terrence Blanchard, Andra Day, Esperanza Spalding and Jazzmeia Horn, once again, to name just a few, have continued the tradition of social activism of jazz music in their compositions and performances. Of course, there’s the incredible work of composer, teacher and educator Wynton Marsalis. It has not only kept alive the tradition of jazz music, but has also given us social commentary through recordings such as “The Democracy! Suite,” which addresses the issues that divide us as a nation.
Given the unprecedented time we are now living in, I look to my favorite music, America’s classical music, jazz, to lead the charge for change. “Now is the Time” for our jazz artists to “Rise Up” and entertain, enlighten and inspire that change. Perhaps their music will energize us to come together and fight for equality and social justice for all. In these very challenging times, I pray that very soon, we can do the “Freedom Jazz Dance” together, for “Now is The Time!”
JazzTimes’ in-house shrink and “America’s Psychologist,” Dr. Jeff Gardere is a contributor to Good Morning America, FOX network, Today show, MSNBC and CNN. A Board-certified psychologist, Dr. Jeff was a longtime friend of the late, great Mickey Bass and is a pretty good crooner!
