1. “Fables of Faubus”: Politics and Jazz
Week 10 Presentation

2. Context
1950s s
Jazz in the 1950s was still Bebop/Hard Bop, only in the late 50s and 60s where we move to “Free Jazz” -”Free Jazz” is well…Free Jazz.
Civil Rights Movement sees the first mass organised demonstrations in this period, the emergence of Martin Luther King Jr. and the huge influx of membership into Civil Rights societies -National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People (NAACP) -Student Non-Violence Coordinating Committee (SNCC)

3. Jazz and Politics???
Jazz is very closely linked with politics and society. -Its origins lie in an oppressed people -Its performance (at that time) was done by the oppressed working class.
Because of this ^, Jazz is/has been associated with the politically Left
Jazz Musicians had a mixed relationship with the public/critics. -On one hand drugs -On the other hand it was increasingly being seen as an intellectual music enjoyed by a predominantly white middle-class audience
Jazz Musicians there was also a mixed reaction from coloured Jazz musicians to white musicians -Some were all for it, like Miles Davis (Kind of Blue) -Others, like Art Blakey, dubbed white jazz musicians as “posers” and other derogatory names.

4. “Free Jazz” Free Jazz sought to break away from musical norms.
Heavy focus on improvisation. -Note however that a solo, is an opportunity for EVERYONE to express themselves. (Rhythm section especially)
Embodies “positive freedom”: Good musicians strive to express their individuality in tone and style, but a successful performance results from synergy within the group -So not complete “independence” but pretty damn close

5. Jazz Musicians Involved in Politics
Louis Armstrong was an international US Ambassador of Arts
Max Roach We Insist! Freedom Now Suite (1960)
Lots of musical collaborations between coloured and white artists that were seen as very progressive/controversial at the time. -E.g Cannonball Adderley recruiting pianist Joe Zawinul into his sextet -Miles Davis always recruited musicians based on talent rather than colour
Duke Ellington only performed in front of non-segregated audiences
Many musicians did benefit concerts raising money for coloured organisations -Most notably was Miles Davis in 1963 with the Lincoln Birthday Concert that raised for the NAACP and the SNCC

6. Charles Mingus
Band leader, composer, arranger, sick double- bass player
Crazy bad temper and very tenacious
Probably the most famous Jazz musician involved in speaking out for the Civil Rights Movement
One of the pioneers of free jazz -Check this tasty tune: DOY

7. Charles Mingus Continued…
Various compositions that directly highlight his outspoken views -”Moanin’” -”Haitian Fight Song” -The Clown (1957) ----->
“Fables of Faubus” (1959): gA -Direct attack on then Arkansas Governor Orval E. Faubus and the Little Rock Crisis. Faubus summoned the National Guard to prevent some black school children from entering a newly integrated school

8. Conclusions
Free Jazz was the perfect artistic representation of the Civil Rights Movement -A violent break from societal/musical norm -Encouraged individualism and freedom
Lots of Jazz musicians very involved in the Civil Rights Movement -Mingus very very outspoken against racism and the unfairness of society -In regards ^ to “Haitian Fight Song”: “I can’t play it unless I’m thinking of prejudice and hatred and discrimination”.
Benefit concerts and charity gigs were the only ways in which Jazz musicians could subtly protest without completely ruining their careers
Jazz thus very important when thinking about politics during this period!