My family has an ethic for hard work and respect, there are devices that we use to make hard work an easier thing to accomplish. That thing is Jazz, specifically original recordings on a record player which can relay to speakers.My first American generation grandfather worked with passion in physical labor jobs that consisted in moving heavy things and cleaning it, afterwards it was his favorite pastime of listening to Jazz on a record player. While he did this he reminisced on how his creativity could be utilized in art. My grandfather saw what the musician was trying to achieve without even understanding the southern culture that much. That passion for maintaining original, rich endeavors of culture has been maintained in my family for 77 years. African Americans combined African musical concepts with European musical concepts. As White Italian Americans, me and my father see this as clarity and positivity. That our Italian culture can create a powerful fusion with African culture.  that the Blues are signs of expression and progress. Like the musicians we create our own reality while listening.  The sentiment of Jazz for me and my father was in order to balance soul tension, physical pain, and mental stress from an extra week of effort. Essential reasons for jazz in my family are high energy materials from things like New York life and Hip Hop/rap ALWAYS in our headphones. Jazz is a balance for my family that highlights what's really important in life. 

– Oliver Suplina

Relationship:  Grandchild of im/migrant Grandchild of im/migrant