(PanJazz
at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center)(PanJazz
at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center)
This June will be an extremely special Black Music Month. Two of the greatest musical achievements - Jazz and the Steelpan - of the 20th century will come together on June 20th, 2004, to produce one of the most magnificent musical concerts in New York history. A pleasant surprise awaits in the form of a Father’s Day show at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall. The steelpan instrument’s humble origins notwithstanding, pan has played many genres of music, if not as many venues. The show on June 20th marks the debut of the Pan Jazz format at Lincoln Center. The steelpan, one of the few musical instruments invented in the 20th century, meets Jazz - the greatest American music art form.
Jazz music, an American art form and international phenomenon, is among America's greatest cultural achievements. It is a powerful voice born out of the African American experience. Moreover, Jazz unites people across racial, religious, cultural, regional and national divides.
The steelpan, a modern marvel is an instrument that was born out of a struggle. It embodies the best of the human spirit – which is the ability to survive and conquer the elements in one's environment. The Pan ‘Saga’ is the classic Cinderella story that is commonly embraced by all cultures – that is - what is perceived as bad and ugly, becomes good and beautiful.
Jazz gives powerful voice to the
American experience. Born of a multi-hued society, it has always made
powerful statements about freedom, creativity and American identity at
home and abroad. Jazz is but an ideal that is created first
in the mind and inspired by one's passions. Jazz music draws from
life experience and human emotion as the inspiration of the creative
force.
Jazz musicians
and those that follow the genre closely, can indeed be thought of as an
artistic community complete with it's leaders, spokesmen, innovators,
aficionados, members & fans.
In his proclamation of June as Black Music Month, President George Bush said: "For centuries, black artists have created or inspired distinctively American musical styles. During Black Music Month, we celebrate the ways that African-American music has helped shape American society and reflect the character of our Nation, and we recognize the pioneers who spearheaded these important musical forms.
Black music has told the story of the
African-American experience. In addition to giving voice to black
struggles, faith, and joys, African-American music has helped also to
bring people together. Before our Nation's strides toward equal justice,
music such as jazz and blues provided a venue in which people of all
races could be judged by their talent, and not the color of their skin."
Billed as "An Acoustic Revolution", the Steelpan Jazz concert will include in its line-up jazz notables Onaje Gumbs, Garvin Blake, Buddy Williams and Andy Narell. Jazz legend Max Roach and Steelpan legend Emmanuel 'Jack' Riley will be honored.
World Music Central
http://worldmusiccentral.org/article.php/20040422070448236