The Quintessential Vol. By David Rubien Jazz, it has been said, is the United States' greatest cultural contribution. Unlike other art forms, the primitive and futuristic can exist comfortably within the same jazz composition. The Art Ensemble of Chicago, for example, blends antique musical elements with radical innovations. Or check out how easily Ornette Coleman's revolutionary sax playing melds with Morocco's Master Musicians of Joujouka, whose music goes back millennia.
Jazz is infinitely flexible.
It embraces blues, country, rock 'n' roll, Mozart, ambience, funk, African drumming, whatever. The creative, spontaneous voice of the individual must be heard, either alone in a solo, or collectively with other members of a group. Jazz is about telling stories in music and giving others leeway to tell their own stories. If the new century produces music this rich, our culture should be in good shape. Bob Margolis Click on any album cover to read why it made our list, hear audio excerpts and find out more about the artist.