[Dixielandjazz] Creativity and Mental Illness - was Frank Rosolino

[Steve Barbone]

According to the below study done in 2003 jointly by Psychologists from
Harvard University and the University of Toronto, there is a biological
basis for a link between creativity and mental illness.

--start excerpt 

"Scientists have wondered for a long time why madness and creativity seem
linked. It appears likely that low levels of latent inhibition and
exceptional flexibility in thought might predispose to mental illness under
some conditions and creative accomplishment under others."

"For example, during the early stages of diseases such as schizophrenia,
which are often accompanied by feelings of deep insight, mystical knowledge
and religious experience, chemical changes take place in which latent
inhibition disappears."

--end excerpt

Perhaps then, we should stop and consider the tightrope that creative jazz
musicians walk. And consider that their music may indeed be quite separate
from their more human failings. Especially when they become too full of
themselves. Beautiful, sensitive music? Stan Getz or Paul Desmond.
Beautiful, sensitive men? Maybe not. Similar examples abound from all over
the artistic world.

In Rosolino's case, my personal view is that he produced beautiful, creative
music before he went berserk. Therefore, I can easily separate the two. Not
so easy with Picasso, or Van Gogh et al.

I also agree, as Dave G says, that it a matter of individual choice whether
one wishes to listen to Rosolino or anyone else, based upon whatever the
perceptions or preconditions of the prospective listener might be.

And caution listmates to consider that creative musicians (I include myself)
are probably teetering on the edge of sanity so please cut us a break.<grin>

Cheers,
Steve Barbone