Jazz as a Picture of Life

I remember the first time I heard a Miles Davis album. It was like nothing I’d heard before.

I knew all about Sinatra and Bennett and Nat King Cole, but nothing could have prepared me to the dizzying sounds of a true jazz album.

There’s nothing like Chet Baker when you’re feeling blue, or Johnny Coltrane when you need quiet reflection.  Throw in a little Nina Simone or Billie Holiday on a rainy day and you’ll have it made.

But there’s more to jazz than smoky bars and foggy days, there’s more to jazz than diminished chords and dissonance. There’s a beauty to the music that fills the soul. And there’s a oneness and unity that happens when each of the instruments in a jazz band come together to form a beautiful and soul capturing song.

I’ve learned many lessons on life from Jazz. Here are a few:

1.  Without the dissonance the depth is lost. When you first listen to the music, the temptation is to get lost in all the directions that the music goes. But listen carefully and you’ll find that what you first thought of as chaotic eventually comes together in a deep and whole sound. It’s harmony in the making. It’s creative, and rich and soul quenching. Where dissonance seems present just wait. A story is in the making.

2. Without the minor chords the melody is lost. Your ear picks up a handful of minor chords. You’re not sure what is happening, when all of a sudden, the trumpet breaks out in a melodious heart twisting tune. Your ears can hardly stand it, it’s so beautiful. Never would you have appreciated the strength of the melody without the backdrop of the minor chord. Are you facing some minor chords in your life right now? As you raise your voice in praise to God your song will fill the air with a melodious tune that will touch many hearts around you.

3. Without the whole the individual is lost. The song starts out with a group of instruments. You can listen carefully and pick each one out. There’s the keys, the bass, the trumpet and the sax, and don’t forget the drums. Then all of a sudden out of nowhere one of the instruments takes off. It’s amazing. It’s captivating. It’s mind boggling. It’s the same way in life. Though the melody is sometimes up to one person to carry out, the rest of the instruments are meant to enhance and complement that one. And the roles keep changing. Sometimes it’s the trumpet that’s the loudest. Other times it’s the clarinet. There’s no competition, rather simply a desire to make a beautiful song.

What I love best about jazz is the part where out of nowhere the audience starts clapping. They can’t help themselves. It’s overwhelming to their senses and they must express it.

When God makes that kind of music in your life, is your heart felt response to spontaneously praise Him?

I’ve got a couple of great records to give away today. If you’re in the mood for jazz after reading this, be the first to tell me in the comment section why you should receive the CD.

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