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Abstract

In broad terms, jazz is a useful metaphor for American democratic ideals because both are a process, not a product. To the musicians who make it, jazz is not so much a genre as it is a way of making music, even a philosophy of music making. Similarly, democracy is not a destination so much as it is the structural means of co-existing with people who have politically liked-minded agendas as well as with those who have competing, contrary goals. Theoretically, if the American ideals of freedom and equality were ever attained, we could no more take our hands off the wheels of government than a jazz ensemble could drop their instruments once the music started swinging. Like the jazz musician constantly negotiating their rhythmic feel with others in a band, the democratic process is the way we continually and collectively negotiate our respective political aims. Any outcome, be it the music or the current state of our society, is merely the byproduct of the integrity we bring to the jazz and democratic processes.

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