Renowned trumpeter and composer Wynton Marsalis believes that the universal language of jazz can bridge divides by sharing a common human story. Speaking with AFP in Beijing while launching a series of performances in China, Marsalis, a nine-time Grammy winner and leader of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (JLCO), emphasized jazz’s role in addressing social and political issues. “The art of jazz is the art of achieving balance,” he stated, highlighting the need for open communication amid differing opinions.
Born in 1961 into a musical family in New Orleans, Marsalis initially pursued classical music at Juilliard before shifting focus to jazz, collaborating with legends like Art Blakey and Herbie Hancock. He draws inspiration from various sources, creating both light-hearted and serious compositions that reflect life’s complexities. Throughout his career, Marsalis has tackled sensitive political topics, comparing current US-China tensions to his childhood experiences of balance within his family.
Regarding the upcoming US presidential election, Marsalis described it as a “crisis of identity” and a referendum on the nation’s soul. A vocal critic of racism, he has also shown willingness to engage with differing perspectives, having controversially offered to perform at Trump’s inauguration in 2017.
Marsalis, who honors the history and tradition of jazz, remains grounded in his legacy, influenced by his late father, Ellis Marsalis Jr., a celebrated jazz pianist and educator. He aims to continue his father’s legacy while recognizing the ongoing complexities of the world.
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