Jazz is my favourite genre of music. I am no jazz aficionado, far from it in fact. But no other genre of music on earth makes me feel like jazz does. You don't have to own every record in Miles Davis' collection, or tell the difference between modal and free. You just have to let it into your house, and you will never look back.
The searing heat of Coltrane's tenor sax, oozing up and down my spine. Ella's deep, rich tones resonating within my soul. The bop piano of Monk, forcing me tap my toes. Mingus' slinky double bass, gently throbbing like my pulse. The emotive, enigmatic wail of Miles' trumpet bringing a tear to my eye. Jazz does incredible things to me. It is music for your heart. Music for your brain. Music for your soul.
Jazz, in moments of its conception, whether in the studio or on stage, looks just as beautiful as it sounds. These photos are proof.
Seeing the intensity and complexity in 'Trane's eyes as he waits for the next round with his sax, peering into the studio to see Gerry Mulligan playfully jamming with his band creating that distinctive west coast sound, observing the isolation of the tragic figure that was Bill Evans playing his piano to the everyone and no one at the same time. It is the most photogenic music imaginable.
Jazz is pure emotional expression. The sax, the trumpet, the piano, the voice. Whatever the instrument, Jazz is the soul's way of letting the world know how it feels through these earthly vessels.
It's music you can read to, music you can work to. It's also music you can think to, music you can escape to, music you can love to. It is of a certain time, but it remains timeless.
If you love music, if you love feeling things, if you love music that challenges you, you will love jazz. It is that simple. The best thing I ever did with my life was stop listening to electro, and start listening to more jazz. You can never have too much jazz in your life.
Images:1. John Coltrane, Cannonball Adderley, Miles Davis and Bill Evans recording Kind of Blue
2. Gerry Mulligan
3. John Coltrane, with Miles Davis in the background
4. Bill Evans
5. Alice Coltrane
6. Charles Mingus
7. Miles Davis
8. Thelonious Monk
7 comments:
Miles Davis - Birth of Cool has quickly become one of my all time favourite albums.
I need to do more jazz investigating. I feel like I've been missing out all these years.
story of my life bro, 11 years and running.
JUSTNORMAN
JUSTNORMAN
I quite like Birth of Cool, but I prefer his later stuff (Sketches of Spain, Bitches Brew etc). Any era Miles is good Miles though.
If you want to kick start the investigating, my favourite jazz album is Lush Life by John Coltrane. It is a beautiful album, I highly recommend it.
I've only been into jazz for 5 or 6 years...can't wait to see what 11 years of love can bring me!
Thanks for the tips. I'll have a look into that stuff soon.
Ah Norman, whatta dude. My blog buddy who has awesome tastes <3
AW MAGOO. how I appreciate the.
I actually like some of the earlier stuff a little more but you're right playa, any Miles is good Miles.
JUSTNORMAN
JUSTNORMAN
two words - gene krupa. that being said im a drummer. still, youtube him
thank you for sharing with us,i like it very much and i will always give attention.
Post a Comment