rocking the vote (do people still say that?)

(don't worry... this is not a political rant.  however, i'm super disappointed in iowa.  man, really?)

i often use politics in analogous ways when i teach.  i believe the most important thing as a saxophonist & improviser is TONE. i remember when jesse jackson ran for the presidency way back when. he and his crew set up camp in Greenfield, IA - about 10 miles from my hometown.  they came out and did a big rally at the local bandshell, and i was entranced.  i had no idea what jesse was actually talking about, but boy did he have me motivated.  if i could've voted i would have cast a big hell yeah for him.  i talk to my improvising students about this experience, sharing with them that the tone jesse (see how we're on a first-name basis?) used was very engaging and believable, and it transcended the information he was sharing.  today i use obama & mccain for the same example since most of my students aren't old enough to remember jesse doing anything besides yucking it up with the king of pop.

i was thinking about politics and music, and realized that there are more parallels than i had expected.

*people often support a certain party, and wouldn't dream of exploring other options.  "there's no way i'm voting for a democrat" vs. "you couldn't pay me to listen to ornette coleman".  

* voting straight party line may be considered close minded, but certainly not by those who do it.  "all of the republican candidates are worthy of my vote (sarah palin?  steve forbes? dan quayle?)" vs. "i like all big band stuff (don ellis? mingus dynasty?  glenn miller?)

*people also choose to follow certain candidates because it is fashionable, not based upon strength of character or background or work ethic.  "i support the person who is leading the polls i see on tv" vs. "i like smooth jazz singers (even though they do the same old licks on the same old tunes)", "i'm behind the new guy because we need change (in what way, i'm not sure)" vs. "i'm all about free jazz (although i have no historical reference point or real musical clue as to what is going on)." 

*long-standing republicans or democrats are willing to support the politicians that have been in office for years, fearful of the alternative.  "i'm voting for this guy because he's been in office forever" vs. "let's check out this tired set list of ellington tunes because that's what good jazz is".  

*talking about being supportive is a much different thing altogether than actually supporting something.  "we need new people in office who are going to do the right thing (although i probably won't get out and vote)" vs. "i think new creative music is important (but i'm gonna stay home tonight because there's a new episode of two and a half men)."

kale thought he was clever with this sticker.  eye voted.