Robert Kraut Jazz And Language

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Robert Kraut in “Jazz and Language” explores the question of whether jazz music can be considered a language. He cites the jazz musician Martino who claims, “Music is a language like any other language” (202). He says that jazz performances have a conversational or “dialogical” (205) quality. Jazz and Blues has no words to describe the meaning or statement, rather evoking aesthetic emotions when listening to the genre. The interaction of the jazz musicians is a collaborative communication of speaking through jazz music. A jazz drummer like Max Roach, stated “the first note that, you are responding to what you’ve just played: you just said this on your instrument, and now that’s a constant” (202).

The narrator whose name is unknown finds out that his brother Sonny was incarcerated for the use of and dealing heroin, raised in a society where being afraid of fear is constantly affecting both of their life’s in turmoil. “He was frightening me a little” (Baldwin 19). Fear shaped the older brother in becoming an Algebra teacher, endeavoring to save his younger brother from a lifestyle of street habits, influence specifically on drug abuse. According to the narrator, he expects Sonny to follow his footsteps in finishing an education because “If you don’t finish school now, you’re going to be sorry later that you didn’t” (Baldwin 20), in addition the narrator describes the life of Sonny “weird and disordered” (Baldwin 21). The narrator uses his fear to form a communication with his brother, however Sonny’s decision of freedom in becoming a professional musician, and escaping misfortunate moments is not in communion. Thus, Sonny feels neglected by his older brother’s expectations and judgments based on his own future. “I think people ...

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...aldwin 27). Fingers dancing on the piano keyes reverberates adversity flashbacks of memories in the Narrator’s soul as he listens to Sonny play. “I saw my mother’s face again, and felt, for the first time, how the stones of the road she had walked on must have bruised her feet. I saw my little girl again and felt Isabel’s tears again, and I felt my own tears begin to rise” (Baldwin 27). By truly listening to his younger brother and observing his performance with professionals, Sonny completes a part of his older brother’s legacy, by overcoming the tragic moments of life and which to come, with his musical talents in Jazz and Blues. Most importantly the influence of Jazz and Blues that Sonny cherrishes, spoke "dialogical" definitions of undefined conversations towards the relation of their brotherhood and their own individual life.

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