Jazz captures the essence of America. For good reason, for in
jazz all of the American (36) come together. The solos are a
celebration of (37) brilliance that can’t take place without
these group efforts of the rhythm section. Beyond that, jazz has a connection to
the essence of America in a much more (38) way. It is an
expression of the African (39) of American culture, a
musical medium that (40) the culture of the Africans whose
culture came to (41) much of what is American.
Jazz brought together elements from Africa and Europe, (42)
them into a new culture, an expression unique to the Americas. Out of
this fusion came an idea that Americans believe central to their identity:
tolerance. Americans (43) that in diversity is our strength.
They learn every day that other cultures and peoples may make valuable
contributions to our way of life. (44) . Jazz
reflects two contradictory facets of American life. (45) ,
listening to each of the other players and building on their contributions to
create a musical whole. On the other hand, the band features a soloist who is an
individual at the extreme, a genius like Charlie Parker who explores musical
territory where no one has ever gone before. In the same sense, (46)
.