Nu Jazz on the "Nu" Prez!

As I think of the recent election of Barak Obama I can’t help to think of the many musicians who never lived to see this moment but who assuredly would have found great inspiration and fodder for musical musings.

I wonder what suites Duke Ellington might have written, what names Mingus would have meandered upon, and what notes Miles would have sung. I remember well the stories about the segregations of the past. The musicians who were allowed to play for the white audiences, yet not to walk through the same doors.

I am no doubt sobered by the realities of the world we live in but I am encouraged by the events in America as of date. President Barak Obama, a black man, with a black family. For the first time in my life I feel as though we finally have someone in the White House who can relate to where I’ve come from and where I’d like to go.

Hope is a great thing. Think of all the great musicians who gave so much for the love of country but were never truly appreciated. Who were lifted up because of their artistry and slapped down because of their skin color. We have arrived my friends, but arriving is just part of things… now we have to get somewhere.

I hope that in the months and years ahead, we will have the courage and conviction to stay true to our course, the way someone like Duke Ellington did. I use to think I was a dreamer, but after this election year I think I’m a realist. At this moment we all accepted the challenge to build a better country. At this time we all rallied for the greater good of all humanity. At this junction we all collectively gathered to create an undeniable cry that was celebrated around the world.

I wish some of the musicians I’ve known throughout the years could have been here this week. But when I walked into that voting booth I actually thought: Judge, Miles, Diz… this ones for you.! And as I pulled that lever I heard one of the sweetest sounds ever…. My vote counting.