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Good morning. Today has been designated International Jazz Day by UNESCO with the aim of promoting peace, dialogue, diversity and human dignity through the medium of jazz music. As a keen if not always competent saxophone player and a fan of jazz, this is something I’m more than happy to celebrate. I’m sorry I couldn’t be there for ‘Jazz at the White House’, a concert which included some of my long-time musical heroes like Herbie Hancock and Aretha Franklin; but given that there are other events planned in over 190 countries across 7 continents, perhaps I’ll get to hear some jazz being played elsewhere.

One of the things which people like about jazz is its improvisational nature, the fact that it’s all about listening to your fellows and playing what you feel and hear, rather than simply what’s written down before you. There’s a truth to that, as I discovered in the process of learning to play the sax without music, relying on touch and feel – and listening to what those around you are playing. But it’s also about the way jazz is able to bring together influences and instruments from quite different settings. It began with the black American experience calling on the traditions of rag-time and blues; but over the years it’s drawn on and influenced the development of show tunes and pop music and more recently world music from township jive to European folk. And for many, including myself, there’s a spiritual dimension to all this, as jazz comes to reflect the rich creativity of the human spirit – and in turn points to the infinite creativity of the God who inspires and sustains us.

Creator God,

The Bible bears witness to many kinds of music from David’s harp to the heavenly choirs; help us to hear your melodies amidst the soundtrack of our lives and teach us how to make music in the heart,

For Christ’s sake, Amen.