Jazz: the ultimate in naked communication

Jazz is one of the purest forms of self-expression. We need more jazz in this world. Jazz is also the epitome of naked communication. The legendary jazz cornetist Don Cherry said that "music is one of the arts that make a person completely naked." The best music is indeed played naked, this is especially true for jazz. When I was in Paris last week (pics), I received a CD as a gift from Jeremy, a French entrepreneur who said my work had helped him; the CD was a token of his appreciation. I was touched. Then when I finally listened to the CD — "Lucky" by Molly Johnson — I was blown away by this amazing artist from Canada. I was not familiar with Johnson's work, but I sure am now. She is wonderful. (Her website.) Her interpretation — her presentation if you will — of the jazz standard "Summer time" is a lovely example of naked communication: honest, transparent, raw, visceral, emotional, beautifully simple and yet rich and meaningful. As you watch Molly below, try to imagine how you can fill more of your own work with such naked and true communication.


This piece above also features some really nice exchanges between the bass player and the drummer. Going naked also means being a good listener; notice how they play off each other. The very fact too that Molly uses only a bass and drums to back her up in this song is another good example of nakedness. She's up there without a pianist (or guitarist) which creates a kind of empty space for clarity and connection. The sound is full and fat, but it's all her. Remarkable.

LINKS
Previous posts on issues related to presentation and what we can learn from jazz.
• Moving to higher ground: Lessons from the art of jazz (part I)
• Structure & spontaneity: Lessons from the art of jazz (part II)
• Zen, jazz, & creativity: Lessons from the art of jazz (part III)
• Jazz and the art of connecting
• More lessons from jazz
• Jazz and simplifying complication
• Steve Jobs' presentation style...and all that jazz

Comments

[Fred E. Miller]

I Get It, Garr!

Playing music or singing 'naked' is like a good presentation should be.

Simple and Clean with no distractions from fancy build-ins, build-outs, or transitions.

My presentations are now taking off their 'clothes',

Thanks!

[Andy Weir]

Now that's a performance.

Love the Drums & Bass doing their thing, and such a pure vocal performance.

Beautiful!

[pete]

very nice with...
i love the drum...it sound so chilli...

simple awesome

[Jose Arriaga]

Inspiring post, you could feel the emotion. Thank you!

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Wonderful,I like it.

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Everybody will love it,it's very nice.

[Valif]

Jazz is my main love

[Jan Schultink]

I would love an off-topic post with more recommendations for jazz music.

[Stephen Brooks]

I never thought I'd see Garr Reynolds stealing my material (just kidding), but your sentiments about Ms. Johnson reflect what I said about this amazing cover of "Tear Me Apart." http://brooxmark.com/2010/05/26/beck-covers-inxs/

[Lee Cunningham]

My father used to sing that in the shower. I sent him the link. He replied saying he still does... though not nearly as good as Molly.. Thanks Garr

[Michael Stout]

I couldn't agree more! In fact I might even be willing to say that jazz is the only TRUE art today because while Jazz artists spend a lifetime studying the idiom, and music in general, while they spend a life time learning their instruments, while they spend a life time learning a SONG, they also strip themselves bare in every performance. That's art.
By the way, as a Canadian and a CBC brat, Molly Johnson was someone I'd heard much about, but I'd never bought one of her recordings. After watching her performance of Summertime that you posted here, I bought her latest from iTunes. Thanks!
I must say, I'm proud of Ms Johnson. She could easily move to more profitable environs, but she's chosen to stay at home. Oddly enough, by staying home, she's following the tradition of a great many jazz artists in New Orleans.
Thanks again!

[Logo Design]

Now that's a performance.

Love the Drums & Bass doing their thing, and such a pure vocal performance.

thats all Awesome....:)))

[twitter.com/LissIsMore]

I am still playing my guitar. And still trying to synthesize the act of making music with the process of communication in my business life. Thank you for a wonderful post that speaks to the two sides of the same coin.

And thanks for introducing me to Molly. She is In The Pocket.

[Espen Grødem]

hi. re jazz and business. have you checked out carl størmer's page. http://www.carlstormer.com/jazz/

he uses the jazzcode to talk about business topics as teamwork, trust, leadership and connecting with an audience.

u might want to look into this as these topics are important in presentations as well

[Jordans 5]

What is language for? Some people seem to think it's for practicing grammar rules and learning lists of words - the longer the words the better. That's wrong. Language is for the exchange of ideas, for communication.

[travesti]

After watching her performance of Summertime that you posted here, I bought her latest from iTunes. Thanks!
I must say, I'm proud of Ms Johnson. She could easily move to more profitable environs, but she's chosen to stay at home.

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I was the first time, to see what everyone says, what can be shared