Why I Love Jazz

Today, I rewatched Masahiro Sayama perform one of my favourite jazz songs, Hymn to Freedom, in a small, intimate Japanese bar. Jazz is said to be one of the hardest genres to play. Part of the reason is because of the improvisation. Improvisation requires a high level of technical competency, creativity, and confidence. I imagine it’s nerve racking performing in front of an audience when you don’t know exactly what you’re going to play.

Sayama begins to improvise around the 1:47 mark and there’s something playful and authentic about his improvisation. I think this is the state of mind one needs to be in to effectively improvise and this is why I love jazz. Live jazz performances are unique, reflecting the mood and the state of the musician at the time of the performance.