In the 1970s, a survey in Russia found that the most well-known American in the country was Richard Nixon. Placing second on that list was Willis Conover, a man unknown to many Americans, but loved by millions around the globe as the jazz disc jockey for Voice of America. This was at a time when the world was flirting with self-annihilation, but even then, leaders in government realized that music and art can be a powerful transformative and persuasive force.

Jam Session: America's Jazz Ambassadors Embrace the World, a photography exhibition now on display at the Meridian International Center's Cafritz Gelleries, captures this sentiment by showing how artists can relate to people of all stripes at the most basic level. The over 90 images document international tours from the 1950s to the 1970s, in which legends of jazz traveled the globe in order to expose foreign peoples to the great American art form. Among the most well-represented subjects are big band leaders Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman, trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie, the first true jazz ambassador, piano legend Dave Brubeck, and of course, Satchmo himself, Louis Armstrong.

The unsung hero of the exhibit is the space itself. The galleries are housed in the White-Meyer House, a former residence designed by John Russell Pope, who also designed the Jefferson Memorial, the National Gallery of Art (West Building) and the National Archives. The house is a reminder of the many hidden architectural treasures that lie throughout the District, off the National Mall's beaten path. The fine wood paneling of the spaces and historic ambience of the building provide a fine setting for not only the archival imagery on display, but for any form of exhibition, and live performance as well. Last night's opening was appropriately set to live music furnished by local mainstay, Jacques "Saxman" Johnson.

The photographs, collected from a variety of archival sources and private collections, show these seminal artists in a variety of settings, ranging from onstage, to receptions with political figures, to interacting with the locals of the given country in which they found themselves. These latter images prove the most intriguing and endearing. Armstrong, known for his ebullient personality, seemed to have relished interaction with the common folk. Dizzy, on the other hand, is the ever cool cat, maintaining his jazzer's persona even when surrounded by adoring fans. Particularly endearing is a photo of Dave Brubeck playing with a Sri Lankan child. Because, these people are musicians, it is also no surprise that they would interact with indigenous artists. The images of Ellington observing a group of Indian classical musicians (pictured above) and Goodman posing with traditional Thai dancers (pictured left) are particular standouts.

Given that jazz, as an art form, has largely left the public consciousness in this country, one wonders if such tours would receive the same reception today. There is a deep appreciation for jazz in Europe, but the global culture, as well as the political climate, has changed. Today, even musicians of this stature would have difficulty delivering a message showing the artistic and cultural side of the United States. Nonetheless, these images show that the arts have their place in the global discussion and that they can be effective tools for diplomacy. Perhaps the current powers-that-be should take note.

Jam Session runs through July 13, 2008 at Meridian's Cafritz Galleries, White-Meyer House, 1624 Crescent Place, NW. Exhibition hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. On Friday, April 11, the gallery will host a panel discussion and concert featuring the great Dave Brubeck. Free

Duke Ellington photo courtesy of Courtesy of the Duke Ellington Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution

Benny Goodman photo courtesy of the Irving S. Gilmore Music Library, Benny Goodman Papers, Yale University