Freedom of expression, however, whether in music or elsewhere, takes a lot of courage because it constantly challenges the boundaries of conventional restrictions and opens itself up to the wrath of those who oppose its very nature. But freedom knows no laws and, as in music, frequently speaks louder than words and, as music, many times because of its sheer honesty has been subjected to genocide for posing as a threat to dogmatically based societies.

The free expression experienced in jazz is a powerful force in itself: a positive force, great enough to melt away the negativity of a troubled mind, a broken spirit, an illness, pain, worry, stress, sadness, etc. In this respect jazz is dangerous and a threat to everything that is a drag. The power of jazz is like the power of unified minds and has the ability to neutralize opposing forces, literally. Playing and listening to jazz is in direct contradiction to controlling the free will of individuals, and has stood the test of time.

We have witnessed great accomplishments towards the promotion of civil rights, eradicating racism and prejudice, ignorance and intolerance through the past decades, and a large part of that promotion is due to the freedom of expression in music that we as a people have allowed ourselves to exercise. Now, perhaps as never before, is that freedom of expression needed. Now we will prove again that the free will of humankind cannot be held captive and that destructive minds and powers can never conquer the goodwill of humanity.

As Diz said, in his announcement to the press during war-time, holding out his trumpet, "This is the cool weapon. We usin’ the cool weapons."

God bless America,

Jackie King

Improvise! copyright Jackie King 2001. All rights reserved. Some of the material contained in this column is derived from "The Jazz Book: An Improvisational System for Guitarists" © Jackie King.