Wynton Marsalis

Jazz occupies a special place in the American cultural landscape. It's played in elegant concert halls and run-down bars, and can feature esoteric harmonic experimentation or good old-fashioned foot-stomping swing. Nobody embodies the scope of modern jazz better than Wynton Marsalis. As a trumpet player, bandleader, composer, educator, and ambassador for the music, he has worked tirelessly to keep jazz vibrant and alive. In this bouncy conversation, we talk about various kinds of music, how they might relate to physics, and some of the greater challenges facing the United States today. (This and the next few podcasts were recorded on the road with headset microphones, and the sound quality isn't quite as good, sorry about that.) Hailing from an accomplished New Orleans family, Wynton Marsalis was marked as a prodigy from a young age. He played locally before moving to New York and attend Julliard, and played and recorded with artists such as Art Blakey and Herbie Hancock. He has recorded numerous albums as a leader of small ensembles, big bands, and as a soloist with symphony orchestras. He is a multiple-time Grammy winner and the first to win in both jazz and classical categories in the same year, and in 1997 his oratorio Blood on the Fields was the first non-classical work to win the Pulitzer Prize for music. Marsalis founded and continues to lead Jazz at Lincoln Center, which is in residence at Lincoln Center along with such organizations as the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera, and the New York City Ballet. He has won the National Medal of the Arts and the National Humanities Medal, along with numerous other awards and honorary degrees. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Wynton Marsalis, a nine-time Grammy winner and jazz legend, joins Scott Galloway, a sharp analyst of culture and economy, along with Matt Welch, editor-at-large for Reason Magazine. They engage in a lively critique of politics and masculinity, emphasizing the cultural significance of jazz and its roots in societal issues. The discussion also tackles modern challenges for young men, the absurdity of patriotism in films, and the complexities of American identity, all garnished with humor and insightful commentary.

Join Pulitzer Prize-winning jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis as he shares insights on preserving musical heritage and the mentorship essential in jazz. He discusses the intricate relationship between democracy and jazz, emphasizing collaboration among diverse voices. With high school students observing, Wynton highlights the emotional depth in rehearsing his Democracy Suite. Experience the backstage excitement and the warm connections forged between seasoned musicians and emerging talent, enriching the vibrant world of jazz.

Trey Gowdy, former congressman known for the Benghazi investigation, shares insights on political accountability and polarization. Nina Burleigh, a political journalist, critiques election integrity amidst current scandals. Rick Wilson, co-founder of The Lincoln Project, discusses messaging strategies from the recent Republican Convention, emphasizing safety and public sentiment. Wynton Marsalis, celebrated jazz musician, promotes his new album 'The Ever Funky Lowdown' as a means to bridge societal divisions through creativity and dialogue.

Renowned artist Ai Weiwei, inventor James Dyson, legendary musician Elvis Costello, acclaimed author Jennifer Egan, singer-songwriter Rosanne Cash, renowned trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, and noted illustrator Maira Kalman discuss creativity. Topics include the rise of creativity as a lifestyle movement, defining and measuring creativity, the influence of external factors, establishing expertise, creativity in various fields, and the many facets of creativity.