OUR TAKE: Jazz & World War II

Frequent readers of this column know my reverence for Winston Churchill and my interest in all matters surrounding World War II. Our world today has conflicts, but none of them are so clearly a clash between good and evil as was World War II. The strength and determination of the United Kingdom to stand, virtually alone, against the tyranny of the Third Reich is as astonishing as it is admirable.

Remember, for the beginning of the war, the Soviet Union was the ally of Germany and participated in the invasion of Poland from the East, as the Nazis were invading from the West. Isolationists and pacifists in the United States were an obstacle to its entering the war officially, though massive aid was provided.

The Japanese invasion of Pearl Harbor, which took place 83 years ago today, proved to be the final act propelling the United States into war with the Axis alliance. The contribution of jazz to the war effort, both in body and soul, was significant. To most American G.I.’s jazz was the music of World War II.

Clearly, some of that connection was simply the confluence of time and circumstances. The late ‘30’s and early ‘40’s were the height of swing music and big bands. Famously, Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Glenn Miller and Cab Calloway produced music in a medium to fast paced tempo that channeled a strong rhythm section with thunderous horns to create a large sound that made you want to dance.

Swing made you feel good, provided energy and was uniquely American. In fact, the drum kit used for swing bands is the only instrument recognized by the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) as being an American invention. We can talk later about how swing music faded and was overcome by BeBop. Spoiler alert, folks found other music for dancing.

Jazz Musicians toured the battlefields and performed for the troops worldwide, but many of them took up arms and fought. Wayne Shorter, Dave Brubeck, Tony Bennett, Clark Terry, Glenn Miller and John Coltrane each wore the uniforms of our country’s military and saw action.

Bennett’s account of his experience in World War II is particularly poignant. He was horrified by the extremes of war and became a lifelong pacifist in the aftermath. Famously, he refused any attempt to be interviewed about his war days.

There was a silver lining to Brubeck’s time in battle. That is where he met Paul Desmond, his longtime saxophonist and colleague. Their 1959 album would be one of jazz’ most successful releases and paved the way for fame for both men, a fame that they retain today.

The power and influence of jazz during this time is epitomized, albeit scandalously, by Joseph Goebbels‘ creation of Charlie and His Orchestra, Hitler’s Jazz Band. This story will be explored in greater depth in subsequent notes, but, for now, know that Goebbels believed that jazz, which was depicted by the Nazis as the degenerate sounds of Blacks and Jews, could, in certain circumstances be used to entertain, even encourage, the German citizenry.

This level of perverse thinking and the plethora of oxymorons thereby created are hard to fathom. For that reason alone, learning this story in small bites is probably best.

A lot has happened since Pearl Harbor, both in terms of the United States, the world and the world of jazz. 83 years is a long time and most events that long ago have faded or been forgotten. But, as FDR said so simply and so strongly, “December 7, 1941—a date which will live in infamy.” Along with 9/11, Pearl Harbor represents a rare incursion on U.S. land. 

Few other countries can make that statement. How many times do you think Poland, France, Germany, etc., have seen enemy fire? 

By Michael Lazaroff, Executive Director of Signature Cruise Experiences, including The Jazz Cruise, The Smooth Jazz Cruise, Chris Botti at Sea, Christian McBride’s World at Sea and Journey of Jazz. Feel free to express your views or pose questions to him at michael@scecruises.com.

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Do Not Miss the Pre-Sail Reservation Deadline

If initial responses are the measure of interest, then Christian McBride’s World at Sea ’26 might be the single most exciting cruise program we have launched in many years. Whether it is the lineup, the concept or, likely, the aura of our host, folks are completing Pre-Sail Reservations in record number. Again, completing a Pre-Sail Reservation puts you at the head of the line when special booking time commences.

There is still time to complete your Pre-Sail Reservation, but the window is closing. That opportunity will terminate on Monday, December 9 at 10AM ET. Soon thereafter, those who have completed a Pre-Sail Reservation will be notified as to the time and procedure for selecting a stateroom and completing a reservation.

You do not want to miss this opportunity to beat the crowd!

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Renee Rosnes’ Crossing Paths

Renee Rosnes, a longtime favorite of The Jazz Cruise audience, has just released Crossing Paths, a new album in which she reimagines quintessential Brazilian songs, joined by two of Brazil’s greatest artists and composers, Edu Lobo and Joyce Moreno. Also featured on the recording are Maucha Adnet, Chris Potter, Steve Davis, Chico Pinheiro, John Patitucci, Adam Cruz and Rogério Boccato. 

“This project was sparked in my mind about three decades ago,” Renee explained. “I’ve always been passionate about the music of Brazil, and finally, the time felt right to embark on it. With this band, I knew I was with players who hold great respect and love for this music and that together we could make these songs come alive in the way I had imagined.”

Keith was the husband of another legend of The Jazz Cruise, Brenda Dean, Baroness Dean of Thornton-le-Fylde. Brenda came from a modest home, but, at a very young age, she became involved with the National Union of Printing, Bookbinding and Paper Workers, rising through the ranks of the union and becoming one of the most powerful members in the country. Dean was raised to the peerage in October 1993 as Baroness Dean of Thornton-le-Fylde, of Eccles in the County of Greater Manchester and was appointed to the Privy Council in 1998. She passed quite suddenly a few years ago and her life was celebrated in England and on The Jazz Cruise. On my desk is a coffee mug (more likely for tea) that she presented to me from the House of Lords. I treasure that memento.

The Reform Club deserves a few lines of its own. Founded in 1836, the club was formed for the benefit of Radicals and Whigs who supported the Great Reform Act of 1832. Eventually, the club became the political headquarters of the Liberal Party. Perhaps the club is best known as the locale for the start and creation of Jules Verne’s Around the World in 80 Days.

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Janis Siegal & Yaron Gershkovsky’s The Colors of My Life

Janis Siegel, longtime vocalist with the Manhattan Transfer, recently released The Colors of My Life, a recording of Cy Coleman compositions, with pianist Yaron Gershovsky and an all-star band including Boris Kozlov, David Finck and Cliff Almond, as well as vocalist Aubrey Johnson and the Crosby Street String Quartet. Janis said that the personal connection that both she and Yaron shared with the legendary composer Coleman helped shape the album’s artistic vision.

“There was definitely a resonance in visualizing how Cy might like what we were doing,” she explained. “He was always a third, silent partner in this endeavor.” Janis, who also co-hosts the radio show “Singers Unlimited” on WBGO in Newark, will be sailing for the first time as a solo artist on The Jazz Cruise ’26. 

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Signature Jazz Cruises’ Programs

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Mug Shots

Guests on the ’24 jazz cruises received The Weekender mug, which we hope you will use with your Saturday morning coffee while you read the latest edition. Please share a picture of yourself & your mug with us so that we can include it for the 100,000+ folks who receive The Weekender each Saturday.

Tag us @thejazzcruise, @bottiatsea, @thesmoothjazzcruise, #jazzcruises and #theweekender. Email your photo to MugShot@scecruises.com.