Bush Honors American Jazz at White House Dinner

President Bush nodded to the beat of ''It's Time for Love'' Thursday during an evening of jazz at the White House.

Bush, who was hosting a dinner in honor of American jazz, said in a toast that ''the story of jazz mirrors the story of our nation'' as it was born from songs of African slaves and it later absorbed the waltzes of European immigrants.

''With its spontaneity and energy and innovation, jazz expresses the best of America's character,'' Bush told about 200 guests in the East Room. ''And through its role in fostering freedom and equality, jazz reflects the best of America's ideals.''

Before dinner, Bush, sitting at a table with Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, gazed upward at vocalist Esther Williams as she sang ''It's Time for Love'' and ''Here's to Life.'' Williams was accompanied by saxophonist Davey Yarborough and others as they performed a lineup of smooth and lively tunes.

After dinner, Bush, first lady Laura Bush and guests also heard Earl Klugh, a contemporary jazz guitarist and composer and an 11-time Grammy nominee.