Commercialism that has absolutely no relationship to quality whatsoever, only quantitative assessment of a thing.

There's always the cliche of the choir shouting and clapping. OK, you have to do that, but there's also introspective parts, parts where you just follow someone that's preaching. There's lots of different emotions and moods that a service requires.

Commercialism that has absolutely no relationship to quality whatsoever, only quantitative assessment of a thing.

It's harder to build than destroy. To build is to engage and change. In jazz, we call progressing harmonies changes. Changes are like obstacles on a speed course. They demand your attention and require you to be present. They are coming...they are here..... and then they are gone. It's how life comes. Each moment is a procession from the future into the past and the sweet spot is always the present. Live in that sweet spot. Be present.

Louis Armstrong is jazz. He represents what the music is all about.

Jazz comes from our way of life, and because it's our national art form, it helps us to understand who we are.

This is our bandstand. If you don't want to play, get up off the instrument and leave.