What is Jazz
Diplomacy?
Ari Roland Quartet: Mungun Shunuu (Mongolian folksong)
featuring:
Ari Roland, bass
Zaid Nasser, alto saxophone
Chris Byars, tenor saxophone
Keith Balla, drums
featuring:
Ari Roland, bass
Zaid Nasser, alto saxophone
Chris Byars, tenor saxophone
Keith Balla, drums
The Ari Roland Quartet with local musicians;
Sabanuur, Mongolia
Jazz Diplomacy is an idea that dates back to the 1950s. American jazz musicians were called upon to travel overseas and connect to the people of the world, building the groundwork for mutual understanding and cooperation between The United States and countries on the opposing side of the Cold War strategic paradigm. U.S. Representative Adam Clayton Powell was a major proponent of this effort, which was sponsored by the U.S. Dept. of State. The first musicians sent as global emissaries were the best of their day: Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, Dave Brubeck, Benny Carter and Woody Herman. All around the world, audiences responded enthusiastically to this positive message.
In 2011, global understanding, cooperation and dynamic cultural interaction seem all the more necessary. This is why the U.S. State Department continues to fund cultural programs that bring jazz musicians to the most diverse audiences in the world.
In 2011, global understanding, cooperation and dynamic cultural interaction seem all the more necessary. This is why the U.S. State Department continues to fund cultural programs that bring jazz musicians to the most diverse audiences in the world.