Jazz Sculptures by Ed Dwight

I recently had the privilege to view some incredible art pieces whose subject was jazz and its artists. Yes, this is not only art with jazz being the subject; this is fine art and sculpture produced by a man named Ed Dwight. Mr. Dwight has done some very interesting things in his life, including being an experimental test pilot and the first African American astronaut trainee. However, for many years now he has focused his direction on fine art and sculpture projects. Dwight began his art career in 1976 and has become one of most prolific and insightful sculptors in America today.

This series, “Jazz: An American Art Form” is quite incredible and should be viewed if possible. In this series, Ed depicts the evolution of jazz music from its roots in Africa to the contemporary jazz superstars of the jazz era, and focuses on this style as a pure American musical idiom. Various works from the Jazz series are on display at major galleries and museums throughout the U.S. The series has received critical acceptance internationally. The complete series consists of over 70 works focusing on the African tribal contributions, and also includes such great jazz performers as Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, “Satchmo” Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald and Benny Goodman.

For information about Mr. Dwight or if you wish to purchase some of these fine productions, go to http://www.eddwight.com/galleries/jazz/index.htm#

Life on Jazz

Personally, between you and me, coming up with new ideas and sounds and executing them nicely, is the biggest rush that I receive from playing music. I think that to be creative you must attempt it often, not just in your music, but in your overall life. I call this, ‘Life on Jazz.’

Now, I’ve termed this column, ‘creativity,’ but it’s not going to be limited to the literal sense of that word. The process of being creative involves numerous subjects. Although from time to time I will be discussing various aspects of ‘creativity’ in the “Playing/Improvisation’ section of this site and also within the ‘Player Well Being’ section, I think that it is a broad enough and important enough topic that the dividends of its pursuit are worthy of a separate section. [Read more]