The melodic ranges and rhythmic phrases of the music presented elements that my musicians really had to work at. Some of the pieces are inspired by African folklore and told through the music in story format with a beginning, middle and end. You have to know how to play. The musicians are speaking through their instruments, and you have know what they are saying, so you can respond to it. It's a conversation.
Jazz has much in common with traditional African drumming, which also speaks.
The drummers are talking back and forth. Certain rhythms indicate certain things. Such is the nature of jazz. Daedalus Howell is a free-lance writer.