from O.R.C.A.
Join us for an enlightening talk that delves into the revolutionary intersections of free jazz, Afro-Futurism, Afro-Presentism, and their deep connections to decolonial struggles in the United States. This discussion will explore the musical contributions of legendary artists like Archie Shepp, Cecil Taylor, Max Roach, and Sun Ra, focusing on how their innovative sounds serve as both a cultural response to Black oppression and a powerful assertion of Black power. We will examine the origins of jazz, its evolution into free jazz, and its role as a vehicle for pro-Black and anti-colonial activism. Drawing from the frameworks of Afro-Presentism and Afro-Futurism, we will discuss how Black artists have used music to respond to the socio-political moment, imagining new possibilities for Black futures. Special attention will be given to how free jazz emerged as a cultural statement during the Black Power movement, with commentary from influential figures such as Amiri Baraka on the role of art and artists in revolutionary change. Throughout the talk, we will listen to select tracks from pioneering free jazz musicians, offering a blend of live discussion and music to enhance the experience. Additionally, we will touch on works like Free Jazz Communism, which examines a communist jazz festival in Helsinki, and Free Jazz Black Power, which further contextualizes the connection between jazz and Black liberation movements.
