Is That Jazz - Gil Scott-Heron

Basie was never really commonplace

He was always measures ahead

Ellington was more than number one

For the music and things that he said

Bird was the word back when tenors were heard

From Kansas right up to the Prez

And Billie was really the Queen of a scene

That keeps echoing on in my head

What it has will surely last but is that Jazz?

Miles had a style that amazes and raises

The spirits from deep in your soul

'Trane struck a vein of laughter and pain

Adventures the mind could explore

Stevie and Bob talk of freedom and 'Jah'

In their own individual ways

Playing and singing as long as its bringing

A message is all that it says

What is has will surely last but is that Jazz?

We overanaylze we let others define

A thousand precious feelings from our past

When we express love and tenderness

Is that Jazz?

Is that Jazz?

Is that Jazz?

Is that Jazz?

Dizzy’s been busy while Grover gets us over

With notes that go straight to the heart

Brother Ron gets it on with a bassline so strong

That the sounds seem to glow in the dark

I take pride in what’s mine — is that really a crime —

When you know I ain’t got nothing else?

Only millions of sounds picks me up when I’m down;

Let me salvage a piece of myself

What it has will surely last but is that Jazz?