The novel’s protagonist, Joss, demonstrates his individuality with his fantastic ability to play music. Jazz, blues, and other musical genres in the culture of blacks become a particular form of expression. In the novel, music becomes a liberating practice and is incarnated in various ways. Firstly, each character of the work seems to the reader as an instrument that, when interacting with others, creates an orchestra, a jazz symphony of the black population. Moreover, Joss constantly plays the trumpet, in which he finds solace. This incorporation of jazz music indicates the characters’ liberation from established social norms.
The incorporation of jazz can also be considered concerning the protagonist and her wife. The author describes Joss’s jazz performances that Millie attends. Their relationship is told through the prism of meeting in jazz clubs and listening to music together. It’s only after Joss sees Millie’s relationship with music that their relationship spills over into something more (Kay, 1998). To better show the musical direction, the author mentions great jazz musicians throughout the work. Thus, Louis Armstrong and Jelly Roll Morton become guides to the world of music.
Eminent jazz and blues melodies also run throughout the novel. Pieces such as “Blues in the Night,” and “Shake, Rattle, n’ Roll” are referenced in the book to incorporate jazz. Additionally, the music touches on the relationship between Joss and his adopted son Colman. Their relationship develops extremely difficult throughout the novel. This is because Colman does not become such a successful musician as Joss is. This incorporation of the musical theme also shows the relationship between parents and children. Another reason for using many musical references is the philosophy of being. The novel is based on the philosophy of jazz and reflects the vision of the callous attitude of the surrounding world toward the black population.
Reference
Kay, J. (1998). Trumpet. Picador.