If a tune isn't grabbing your attention emotionally, without questioning "why" you should Ilike it...
it isn't for you. Well, that's true, don't buy / listen to what you don't like, but it is also true in art that the temporal and historical context a piece was written in and responding to is the language. You might see a Picasso and think nothing of it, but if you study art history and see the discussion happening in art suddenly Picasso makes sense as a response. Leaving art and music to personal taste in the moment may leave you impoverished. |
Listen to A Love Supreme! Maybe the pinnacle of spiritual Jazz! |
Music is a feeling inside the soul.
If a tune isn't grabbing your attention emotionally, without questioning "why" you should Ilike it...
it isn't for you.
Other than maybe reading a bit of history of Classical, Jazz and Blues, it's a matter of something latching on inside.
Also, a read on a particular musician especially Classical and Jazz, helps me understand where they may be coming from.
No graphs,tweaks,cable,fuses,tubes....
|
|
Yes those are more accessible Coltrane albums as is even Giant Steps and Blue Train but these alone are limited as a tool to "get" John Coltrane. Limited yes, but his more accessible albums are a good starting point simply because you begin to understand his talent, his genius. Others albums, as you've mentioned, include "Love Supreme", Blue Train", and "Giant Steps". IMO a lot of folks just getting into Jazz stumble when listening to the more free-form variety. Melody is key for many. |
You don't get the song "My Favorite Things"? |
Ole Coltrane is an interesting record too. The title track is hypnotic, or at least distinctive.
Oh hey! The 'Stockholm Concert' from '61 ish' |
Yes those are more accessible Coltrane albums as is even Giant Steps and Blue Train but these alone are limited as a tool to "get" John Coltrane.
A good package for that is the "Live at the Village Vanguard" set where you get multiple and varied takes on the same classic Coltrane tunes on different nights to soak in and process. |
Suppose one were to suggest that Coltrane, like all the jazz greats, is not only playing the song, but is also playing with the song at the same time. I'd suggest listening to "Summertime" as a great example. At points, it's "Summertime," the tune you know, but at others, it's Coltrane doing his thing with it. Until it's "Summertime" again.
I'd suggest not thinking too much, but just grooving as the man makes his way.
-- Howard
|
"Ballads" is about as accessible as he gets and it's a beautiful album .. nice place to start. His album with Johnny Hartman is another. |
I was referring to John Coltrane and Miles Davis. |
|
|
They were both "free spirits", way out there for their time, were heavily influenced by drugs and were driven to keep playing and pushing boundaries no matter what, not always successfully.
|
Also was he building off of or responding to any other artists? That may help too.
Thank you.
Erik |
Try Sketches of Spain for Miles :-) |
i feel the same way when it comes to Miles Davis. Its just not my cup of tea. |
You actually got it. He does speak a different language. The fun part is figuring it out.
I’d start with "A Love Supreme". The concept provides the best chance for Coltrane to register sooner rather than later. |
Listen to two cut by Coltrane -
"My Favorite Things" and "Naima"
If you still scratching your head - move on!
Doug |
JC is talking a different language. I suggest starting with his time in Miles groups and then go forward.
|
