The further jazz moves away from the stark blue continuum and the collective realities of Afro-American and American life, the more it moves into academic concert-hall lifelessness, which can be replicated by any middle class showing off its music lessons.

Summary

This quote suggests that when jazz deviates from its roots in the African-American and American cultural experiences, it loses its essence and becomes a lifeless product that can be imitated by anyone with music training. By distancing itself from the emotional depth and collective realities of its origins, jazz risks becoming a mere display of technical skills devoid of its authentic spirit. The quote emphasizes the importance of staying true to the origins and cultural context of jazz to preserve its vitality and uniqueness.

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