“Jazz is so much more than music: it is a lifestyle and a tool for dialogue, even social change. The history of jazz tells of the power of music to bring together artists from different cultures and backgrounds, as a driver of integration and mutual respect.”
Irina Bokova, UN Director General
We couldn’t agree more and, as you know, jazz instruments form a big part of our portfolio; from the superb Dupont BeBop Blonde archtop to our wonderful value-for-money Stradivari type violins, to our Dragonetti type jazz double bass.
Why is jazz such an important music genre? – so important, in fact, that the UN recognised its significance with an International day. Here’s a few reasons:
– Jazz broke down race barriers in the past and continues to create opportunities for mutual understanding and tolerance;
– Jazz is a vehicle for freedom of expression;
– Jazz can be a symbol of unity and peace;
– Jazz reduces tensions between individuals, groups, and communities (unless you’re in a jazz band 😉 :-O );
– Jazz fosters gender equality;
– Jazz reinforces the role youth play for social change;
– Jazz encourages artistic innovation, improvisation, new forms of expression, and inclusion of traditional music forms into new ones;
– Jazz stimulates intercultural dialogue and empowers young people from marginalised societies.
Why not join us on Facebook and tell us what you think about jazz and whether it warrants it’s own UN-recognised day?
Browse our instruments here: http://www.sandarac.co.uk/instruments/21/