Moving to Higher Ground: How Jazz Can Change Your Life

With wit and candor he demystifies the music that is the birthright of every American and demonstrates how a real understanding of the central idea of jazz–the unique balance between self-expression and sacrifice for the common good exemplified on the bandstand–can enrich every aspect of our lives, from the bedroom to the boardroom, from the schoolroom to City Hall. Along the way, Marsalis helps us understand the life-changing message of the blues, reveals secrets about playing–and listening–and passes on wisdom he has gleaned from working with three generations of great musicians. Illuminating and inspiring, Moving to Higher Ground is a master class on jazz and life, conducted by a brilliant American artist.. In this beautiful book, Pulitzer Prize—winning musician and composer Wynton Marsalis draws upon lessons he’s learned from a lifetime in jazz–lessons that can help us all move to higher ground

Louis Armstrong dealt with them. It’s about crying over something, actually wailing--and it’s about coming back. In life, if everyone involved can agree on a primary objective, a group can accomplish almost anything. It’s democracy in action and it allows us, for all our faults, to see the success of our history. I was under the impression that I had only to learn the fundamentals of music--rhythm, melody, harmony, texture--to progress as a musician. Q: How is jazz related to America, the country that created it? A: This art form was created to explain who we are. But if you listen to political candidates today, they almost never talk about culture. Things are bound to come up. It comes out in all kinds of ways--the way we talk or dress or cook or whistle. Your sound is unique. Others need to be expounded upon. That’s a bitter

"Wynton Wins!" according to Robert H. Woody. As one who conducts research, gives lectures, and writes about the psychology of musicianship (see my book "Social Psychology of Musicianship" on Amazon.Social Psychology of Musicianshipcom), I assiduously study the viewpoints on the subject set forth by others. From his early days on the National. "I love this book" according to Elizabeth G.. I love this book!! As someone who has played jazz and loves the music, I only wish I had read this sooner. Not only does Wynton Marsalis clearly bring a great deal of knowledge to the subject, but he articulates it with such clarity and readability. Marsalis captures the essence of the music and t. Tim Garrett said Four Stars. Great book for beginners to Jazz (young adults or adults newly opening their mind to jazz).