Blue making cross-cultural connections in Cedar Rapids, Marion schools, concert

Jazz is a lot like life — both are best with structure balanced with some improvisation.

Saxophonist Ray Blue is about spreading the word of jazz as much as he is performing. The University of Iowa alum has been spreading the seeds of his beloved genre since 2005 with his altruistic project, Cross-Cultural Connection Inc.

He is the executive director of the nonprofit jazz education and performance organization that focuses on jazz performance in schools. It’s based in New York, but formed in Cedar Rapids in 2005.

“It’s essential that children and young adults learn about jazz,” Blue said while calling from New York. “Jazz is our music, and the story behind it all is fascinating.”

“Maintaining the Tradition,” a program led by Blue, will be presented Thursday and Friday, May 4 and 5, 2023. It will include jazz students from Linn-Mar High School and Coe College, along with Blue’s quintet from New York for a performance Friday at First Presbyterian Church of Marion.

“We’re going to have a master class and we’ll be running a workshop to help student musicians prepare for a performance,” Blue said. “We call it our Pro-Am. It’s an ensemble to give students the chance to play with professional musicians. The goal is for them to see how it’s done and to prepare themselves for success.

“We just want them to get with the music and also to learn about its history. You have to know your history so you can move forward.”

Blue, 72, will break down songs, and students will learn about what was going on in the world and how that impacted the tune.

“The workshop will focus on jazz history,” he said. “Let’s say there’s a song from Duke Ellington from 1939. We’ll talk about what was going on then. What were the social conditions that inspired the song? There was still Jim Crow then and there was social tension. People were coming out of the Depression. All of that shaped that particular song.

“History is significant. It provides the flavor of the music.”

What’s happening sonically is part of our culture. Jazz is American music born out of gospel and the blues.

“There is nothing like jazz,” Blue said. “My whole band is excited about coming out and making an impact with everyone out there.”

Blue’s drummer Willie Martinez, one of the most respected musicians on the Latin jazz scene, will hold court, as well.

‘Willie is an amazing musician, and he was mentored by the incredible Tito Puente,“ Blue said. ”The musicians in Iowa are going to learn a lot from us. Part of our job is to work with the musicians of the future. It’s important for me to pass the music along, and I’m compelled to do it in Iowa.“

Iowa connections

The dynamic band leader was born and raised in New York but he met his wife at the University of Iowa. When the couple divorced, Blue left for New York and his wife raised his children in Cedar Rapids.

“Since my children grew up in Iowa and I have many fond memories with my family there and when I went to school there, I’m compelled to give back,” Blue said. “Iowa City and Cedar Rapids are wonderful cities.”

Son Maurice Blue is the head football coach at Washington High School in Cedar Rapids.

“My son loves coaching football and really enjoys the area,” Blue said. “I can see why. The quality of life is good. Add some jazz to it and it’s even better.”