Coltrane. Can we talk?

As others who have read my posts know, I've been a pretty serious jazz buff for more than 40 years, have taught a course in jazz appreciation, and have been priveleged to hear many of the jazz greats "live" in a club setting. The first time I became seriously aware of Coltrane as a force in jazz was in 1959 when I purchased my first copy of "Kind of Blue". I heard Coltrane live for the first time when he was in Seattle in the early 1960's, and I was not ready for him "in the flesh". Staggering power, extraordinary emotional power in his playing, and profound musical conception. Coltrane's music must be studied to be fully appreciated. His harmonic conception is a stretch for many, and it took me many years to fully understand what he was saying in his music. For me, one of the marks of a truly great jazz artist is the appeal of their music over decades, and Coltrane is in the first rank of "classical" jazz musicians. One of the most interesting stories about 'Trane in concert occurred when he was playing in a theater in France during the mid-1960's. The entire concert consisted of 1 tune, which 'Trane improvised on for 3 hours without a break. Regarding some of the previous posts: music and compositional theory can be very interesting -- for example, the use of modes in the music of Bill Evans and Miles Davis -- but jazz is a listener's art form, and it must ultimately move the listener in some way. There is nothing wrong with saying that Coltrane doesn't move you. Most of the popular "smooth jazz" musicians do not move me at all, probably because years of listening to more complex jazz and classical music has expanded my tastes. There are many roads to reach an appreciation of Coltrane's music. The most accessible numbers by 'Trane are typically his ballads, and there are several compilation CD's of his ballad playing. I still find it difficult to listen to some of Coltrane's "free" playing from the 1965-67 period, and I listen to those recordings only when I am trying to "stretch my ears". Overall, however, I am profoundly grateful that God allowed such a presence to visit among us, even if for a short time. His playing changed the landscape of American jazz, and in a broader sense the world musical palette.

Hey, Kublakahn: One of the many jazz videos that I own has a short bit about the Church of St. John Coltrane. You were absolutely correct that the members of the church are serious in their beliefs. They feature 'Trane's music as a central element of their faith -- I've thought from time to time that I'd love to attend one of their services. (Probably a hell of a lot more moving for me than listening to a sermon...). 'Trane's early music, when he was playing with Miles, is probably the best place for newbies to start "stretchin' their ears". Then move on to "Giant Steps", followed by "A Love Supreme". I have never seen the recording of the 3-hour French concert available as a release, but I heard it WAS recorded. Another fine example of 'Trane and Miles Davis is the joint recording of their concert recording "In Stockholm", done in 1961 (or maybe 1962) on a Swedish recording label. Good stuff!!

Just to round out my earlier post, there are two other Coltrane recordings that are good starting points for those who are becoming acquainted with 'Trane's music: his album titled "My Favorite Things" (where he made use of the modal style), and an album that he did with jazz vocalist Johnny Hartman (very rich, baritone voice). For those who want to learn a bit more about Coltrane, I recommend a jazz textbook by Mark Gridley titled: "Jazz Styles: History and Analysis". Gridley devotes an 18-page chapter to Coltrane, tracing his musical development and styles, and discussing the great quartet that he led. The book should be available in many college libraries and large public libraries.