“Do you like jazz?” Even though Gen Z has never used or heard this line earnestly, it’s still recognized as a cliché conversation starter. However, it really is an interesting question. Those who listen to jazz recognize how, when done right, jazz can feel like a conversation. When we speak to one another we’re collaborating with other artists, freestyling our phrases and improvising our interactions.
Creating a beautiful conversation for others to listen to or join in the jam is becoming a lost art. As we turn more and more towards A.I. to help us choose our words, we’re sacrificing our songs. A good conversation has an undeniable flow to it. It’s not an even give and take, but a constant evolution of topics and emotions combined to make a melody.
Musicality of Community
Trying to strike up a conversation is always the hardest part. With an unlimited amount of music available, what will make your song special? You can only play one instrument at a time, so your choice of accompaniment will create the harmonies you desire. What’s important is making sure that your conversation is a blend of all the different parts, knowing when it’s your turn to listen or to jump in.
Listening to jazz is more like an emotional exercise, rather than a calming, sleepy sound that many people associate with it. Without words, we’re able to understand when the trumpet takes the lead; we’re energetic and happy. It tells us stories of spring and new beginnings. Similarly, when you hear a lone, low saxophone, it fills you with an unspoken melancholy or even longing. Our words and tone create the same effects, and we can learn to utilize them just as skillfully.
A Synthesized Sound
Although A.I. isn’t speaking for us as of now, by letting it write our essays, emails and regurgitate our own ideas, we sacrifice our chances to solo. While it’s great to collaborate with others, being given the spotlight is an opportunity to showcase our skills and freely express ourselves.
Take for example the film “La La Land” — Ryan Gosling’s character, Sebastian, longs to play jazz in a real jazz club. However, the only way to get paid enough is to join a jazz band that also utilizes trendy and soulless synthesizers, dramatic dress and other cheap tricks to attract a wider, younger audience.
This is similar to the effect of AI on our language. It makes it easier to please the general populace, but doesn’t strive to really say something. Without a voice of its own, it’s just remixing the samples you feed into it. Just like the band in “La La Land,” AI cannot improvise out of a swell of emotions — it only knows to play the programmed keys to make a hit.
You and Your Instrument
Being a good conversationalist takes practice, just like it takes time and effort to learn how to play an instrument. The more you practice, the easier it will be for you to find a flow for yourself and in any ensemble. Finally, when you find the right group to share your tune with, you’ll all be able to make something greater together.
No one wants to hear a song with only one instrument, just like no one wants to be a part of a one-sided conversation. It’s important to listen and look for cues from our fellow jazz musicians so we know when it’s our time to jam, or to take a step back, and enjoy the music we’re making together.
How do you strike up the band into a good conversation? Let us know on X @VALLEYmag!
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