I wanted to identify that the black experience is American experience.
From Wadada Leo Smith
When Barack Obama was elected, it immediately brought out all the differences in society.
I've got that Beethoven energy, that Stravinsky energy. And it's all a gift from the Creator.
There's nothing unnatural in creation.
The only thing that makes change possible is the idea of developing some kind of institution, because the institutions will survive individuals.
All art is political. Yes. Even the stuff that sounds like bubble-gum songs. I think all art is, by nature, intended to motivate society for change, and the only reason change doesn't happen is because within the target population, courage is lacking.
I'm an optimist. I have always been, and I will continue to be. So I believe there's always a possibility of transforming or changing or doing something different.
When you live in the South, you're constantly part of the civil rights movement.
My solo playing utilizes the deployment of suggestive psychic rhythms. I'll state these throughout a given piece and play thematic improvisations on top of that. I like to suggest that rhythmic movement without always playing it. I like to create openings that I can step into.
Seeing the bigger picture opens your eyes to what is the truth.
3 perspectives
2 perspectives
1 perspectives