Is That Jazz? (Feat. Rahsaan Patterson)

Basie was never really commonplace, he
was always measures ahead
Ellington was more than number one 
for the music and things that he said
Bird was the word back when tenors were heard
from Kansas right up to the Prez
Billie was really the queen of a scene 
that keeps echoing on in my head.

What it has will surely last, but is that jazz?

Miles had a style that amazes and raises 
spirits from deep in your soul
Trane struck a vein of laughter and pain 
Adventures the mind could explore
Stevie and Bob talk of freedom and Jah 
in their own individual ways
Playing and singing as long as it's bringing 
a message in all that it says 

What it has will surely last, but is that jazz?

We overanalyze, we let others define
A thousand precious feelings from our past
When we express love and tenderness 
Is that Jazz, is that jazz is that jazz is that jazz?

Dizzy's been busy while Grover gets over 
with notes that go straight to the heart
Brother Ron gets it on with a bass line so strong
the sound seems to glow in the dark
I take pride and what's mine - is that really a crime 
when you know I ain't got nothing else? 
Only millions of sounds pick me up when I'm down -
let me salvage a piece of myself.

What it has will surely last but is that jazz?
Honey, you know it will really last  you know
You know it, surely you know 
what it has will surely last, but is that  
 jazz? 
Is that jazz?
"