Help me understand John Coltrane .... seriously.


Hi Everyone,
Listen I have a favor to ask, and those of you better educated in Jazz can help me.

I always have a tough time listening to John Coltrane. It's like he's talking a different language.
Can any of you point me to recordings I should listen to on Tidal or Quboz or whatever that set me up to better appreciate the man?


Thank you for the musical education.

Best,

E
erik_squires

Showing 1 response by minorl

Miles Davis and John Coltrane both started with standard Jazz format with little improvisation involved.  When they began  to really establish their own identities, the really went their own ways.  I, like many loved the late fifties, early sixties Jazz music.   Coltrane transitioned slowly into a monster with his own style and form. Same for Miles.  His work with Evans was outstanding.  Bitches Brew blew most people away at first listen.  People said "what the ??!!!???" is this? at first.  MIles was influenced seriously by the Lady in his life at that time.

So, in my opinion, when people want to transition into Jazz, they must be made  to understand that Many Jazz musician like Rock, Pop, etc.  First established themselves with the standard format (so they could get paid, feed their families and pay bills) before going their own way after they had a firm fan base.

While in College becoming an Engineer, I took art and music classes.  One class was a John Coltrane Class.  Was not an easy "A".  Trying to interpret his music and style was like trying to interpret painters.  Some painters I still don't get.  Some Coltrane I just didn't get.  Still got the "A".  Great teacher also.

But, if everyone looked the same, sounded the same, dressed the same, talked the same, etc.  This would be a very boring world.

The fifties and sixties Jazz was to me outstanding.  The seventies, it felt like it became more formatted (moving towards "smooth Jazz" format, not real Jazz to me.), and also serious drugs and the desire to establish their own identity came forward. Still, some great Jazz came from the seventies.

enjoy