Reflection: Love, Jazz and Antagonistic Cooperation

On February 12, 2023, enthusiasts of art, literature, and music gathered for an enriching event, "Love, Jazz, and Antagonistic Cooperation: A Book Talk” by Professor Robert O’Meally. The lecture explored the connection between African American jazz, art, and literature. His book, “Antagonistic Cooperation,” received the 2023 Columbia University Press Distinguished Book Award and was a finalist for the Pauli Murray Book Prize in Black Intellectual History. The discussion delved into the intricate connections between jazz improvisation, artistic expression, and African American culture, offering a fresh perspective on the dynamics of creativity and community. Through anecdotes, collages, musical excerpts, and insightful commentary, O'Meally illuminated the essence of these within the realm of jazz music and beyond. The lecture was  full of beautiful music, performances, and insight into the history of Black creativity and culture.

The core message of O'Meally's talk emphasized the imperative of "antagonistic cooperation" in navigating the complexities of society. Drawing parallels from the world of jazz, he highlighted how individuals, despite their differences and occasional conflicts, can work together towards a common goal. Referencing iconic figures like Charlie Parker, O'Meally underscored the importance of maintaining harmony amidst discord, mirroring the improvisational spirit of jazz musicians. He showcases how these artists embraced improvisation and collage not merely as techniques but as philosophical frameworks.

O’Meally describes the concept of “antagonistic cooperation” in jazz where musicians become both collaborative and competitive when creating their art. He illustrates this concept through a story of his experience at a show at the Lincoln Center. He describes two musicians playing their instruments like “fighting dogs in an alley.” They go back and forth, trying to outplay the other musician, and despite the competitiveness, O’Meally notes this is the best they’ve ever played. By trying to “win” they are pushing each other which results in beautiful art and amazing performances. 

Central to O'Meally's discussion was the notion of "ecstatic identification," a concept prevalent among jazz practitioners. Through this lens, he explored how musicians immerse themselves in the styles and influences of their predecessors while carving out their unique artistic voices. This process, marked by reverence and emulation, exemplifies a profound form of love within the jazz community.

O'Meally shed light on the dynamic interplay of love and tension within jazz compositions. Utilizing examples from renowned musicians such as Ben Webster and Wynton Marsalis, he illustrated how contrasting emotions coalesce within the music, reflecting the multifaceted nature of human relationships.

During the lecture, O’Meally emphasized that love is required between the musicians and there would be no antagonistic cooperation without it. There is no animosity or hatred, just individuals loving their art. An attendee raised a question about how this has evolved throughout history and influences culture now. He mentioned rap and hip-hop where there seems to be a lot of hatred and violence portrayed in the genres. I found this observation to be very interesting and reveals how complex the relationship between art and society truly is. O’Meally’s lecture was full of beautiful music, performances, and insight into the history of Black creativity and culture. 

In closing, O'Meally emphasized the transformative power of jazz as a vehicle for resilience and expression. He urged listeners to embrace the spirit of "antagonistic cooperation" in their own lives, fostering collaboration amidst diversity. Ultimately, O'Meally's insightful discourse offered a poignant reflection on the enduring legacy of love and harmony within the world of jazz. 

You can view the video of Professor O’Meally’s lecture here.

You can also view the video of Professor O’Meally’s interview as part of the African American Legacies Project here.

About the Authors:

Eden is a Graduate Assistant with the Baha’i Chair for World Peace. She is attending the University of Maryland and pursuing a Master of Public Health in Health Care Management. She graduated from the University of Maryland in 2023 with a B.S. in Public Health Science. Her interests are in health disparities and policy.

Zoe is a senior at the University of Maryland studying Marketing. She plans on attending law school after graduation. Zoe is excited to use her creativity with the Bahá'í Chair for World Peace while learning about important social, political, and economic issues.

To learn more about Zoe: www.linkedin.com/in/zhlebovic