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I Like Jazz
Jazz is one of the most important musical innovations ever created.
The soft drink world has Coca Cola, the music world has jazz.
Why do I like it? Well, here are 5 reasons…
#5: Not much singing:
It’s strange, but I’m not a huge fan of lyrics and singing. I am more interested in what the instrumentalists are trying to tell me through their music. That’s not to say that lyricists and vocalists are useless to me, I just like to be able to enjoy the music without the intentions of the lyricist. I mean, what if I like the music of a song, but the lyrics are depressing? Again, it’s not to say that the lyrics should be undervalued, or that the lyricist doesn’t have something important to say, but most of the time (me, at least), I like to just kick back, and enjoy the instrumentation.
#4 Instrumental Virtuosity
At my high school, the highest band you could get into was the jazz band. To be able to get in, you had to have a mastery of your chosen instrument. The reason is simple: Jazz musicians built their style of music by improvising and bringing new and unique sounds to their songs. That’s not for amateurs, folks. The Jazz genre has produced several virtuoso instrumentalists who have not only gained a mastery of their instrument, but also changed the game for everyone to follow. No one played the sax like Coltrane, and anyone who does is merely following the footsteps of a musical prodigy.
#3 Mood
One of the things I like about Jazz is its ability to project a mood. You see, I feel like I can get a “vibe” from the various melodies played by Jazz musicians. When I put on a song, there are certain musical messages that are projected and interpreted by me in various ways. There are songs that project lonliness, joy, frustration, anger, spirituality, and all sorts of other emotions and mood. I also am a huge fan of the “visual” qualities of Jazz. When I listen to Jazz, I really enjoy closing my eyes, and envisioning a new landscape before me. I like how an instrumentalist can paint a landscape of sound, that can then be interpreted by me to mean what I want it to mean. There are few other genres that can effectively accomplish this for me, aside from classical, and the occasional rock piece.
#2 Intensity
One of the stereotypes of Jazz is that it is “elevator” music, and completely boring. Not true!!! I cannot emphasize this enough! There are so many Jazz pieces that have the energy of a punk band, and the emotional intensity of a Martin Scorsese film. Jazz musicians are a crazy bunch. Much like the rock musicians of today, many of the Jazz musicians of yesteryear were notorious, dangerous, and wildly unpredictable. These guys were on the cutting edge of life, the cutting edge of music, and they lived to tell us about it through music. John Coltrane’s greatest work is “A Love Supreme”, consisting of four parts to a suite of songs that he wrote and performed as his personal tribute to God. This album is very heavy, very intense, and one of the best musical experiences you can have. There are so many pieces out there that project the emotions of the human experience: Loudly, proudly, and deeply satisfyingly. Jazz is not for people who don’t like to be moved by music.
#1 Beats
Where did Rap come from? Jazz. Sure, you’re not going to hear really low bass hits in a lot of Jazz, but the framework was built in Jazz. Some of these songs just inspire you to get up, get going, be awesome. It’s the beat. Jazz drummers will blow you away with their intensity, speed, and ability to get so much sound out of a little 3 piece set. As an old music instructor once told me “Jazz drummers are LIVE!” Translation: These guys are off the hook. These beats are phat, mesmerizing, intense, and just plain amazing. I believe that humans subconsciously receive messages and emotions from beats, and this explains how music came to be in the first place. Back in the old (old, old, old, days), humans made noise. They then set this noise to a rhythm. From there, melody was invented. Beats are the basis of all music, and beats speak to us on a subconscious level. The beats that are found in Jazz are exciting, moving, and very virtuoso.
So, there you have. 5 reasons why I like Jazz music. If you want to experience the greatest American musical innovation, you need to get some jazz in your collection. Read my post “10 Essential Jazz Albums (Part 1)” to get some ideas about the greatest of the great.
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Letters Make Words
Being the music lover that I am, I tend to like to hang out with musicians. Today, I would like to present to you Letters Make Words. OK, they don’t have anything out on vinyl (yet), but they do have a great alternative-pop-rock sound.
Letters Make Words is fronted by sisters Nadia and Naomi. The sisters share vocal duties, often by doing call and response, and harmonies together. Nadia plays rhythm guitar, Naomi plays bass. Lead guitars are handled by Justin, and new member Corey lays down the drums.
LMW has received much positive praise, such as…
Want more info? They have a MySpace Page, Located at http://www.myspace.com/lettersmakewords
Letters Make Words is also putting together a website, that will eventually be located at http://www.lettersmakewords.net
Letters Make Words, or LMW, is currently working on the followup to their debut “The Analog EP”, and playing shows around the Bay Area, California. If you have any interest in collaborating, playing a show, or anything else, please contact them at lettersmakewords(at)gmail(dot)com.
(L-R) Naomi, Justin, Nadia
(L-R) Corey, Naomi, Justin, Nadia
(L-R) Nadia, Justin, Naomi
Hear Letters Make Words…
[audio:Radio.mp3]
“Radio”
[audio:That-One-Song.mp3]“That One Song”
[audio:Anywhere.mp3]“Anywhere”
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Alan’s Essential Jazz Recordings Part 1
Jazz is one of those topics that people are either completely ambivalent about, or completely passionate about. Even if you’re one of those ambivalent types towards jazz, there are so many great recordings out there. These are recordings that have inspired newer music from genres as varied as hip hip to rock music. In fact, some of the great jazz recordings have been sampled in the work of newer artists. The albums that follow are selections from the most famous jazz musicians of all time: Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Herbie Hancock.
A quick note to all of the jazz snobs out there. This is my list. If you don’t like it, write your own. Thanks.
#10: Miles Davis – Bitches Brew
Miles Davis’ masterpiece concept album. This album has proven to be one of the greatest “jazz” albums of all time, although this album really defies categorization. Some call it fusion, some call it free jazz. Regardless, this album is not so much about melody, but more about creating a soundscape. Listening to the album, you are instantly transported to a new place where there are different emotions floating around in the space surrounding you. This is one of the most creative albums ever produced, and it belongs in all music lovers’ collections.
# 9: John Coltrane – Giant Steps
This album is considered one of John Coltrane’s greatest albums. This classic features Coltrane’s style in full-force, yet while retaining the approachability that would be lost in later efforts. This album contains some of the most famous jazz songs ever written, and why not? With John Coltrane’s impeccable command of the saxophone, as well as his intense and emotional compositions, this album is not to be missed.
# 8: Herbie Hancock – Inventions and Dimensions
This album is one of the most overlooked albums in Herbie Hancock’s entire catalog. Featuring a trimmed down band (Just Herbie on Piano, some bass, and some percussion), this is an album for lovers of the piano. Herbie lays down some excellent melodies (Who doesn’t love the opening to “Succotash”??), with the rhythm section throwing some latin-esque beats into the mix. Another song not to miss is “Mimosa”, which Herbie Hancock worked on with Miles Davis. This is a great album!
# 7: Miles Davis – Birth of the Cool
This album is one of Miles Davis’ earlier efforts, and contains the epitome of what people refer to as “Cool” jazz. In fact, many credit this album as the defining work of the “cool” jazz movement. This album has an upbeat tempo and style, and really brings you back to New York City in the early 1950’s. One song I really like is “Bopliicity”, which is a tribute to the bebop sound that Miles Davis is credited with being a major innovator. The title of the album sums it all up: This is a cool album!
# 6: Miles Davis – Sketches of Spain
While not a pure “jazz” album, the music on this LP combines elements of jazz, classical, and flamenco music. This album is a definite masterpiece, showcasing Miles’ soulful horn playing, and the impeccable musical direction of Gil Evans. This is an album that contains many moods, and I find the music to be highly “visual”, meaning that you can pop the album on, close your eyes, and be transported to a different place. This is a fantastic album that has appeal to a very wide audience.
# 5: Herbie Hancock – Maiden Voyage
This album is a certified jazz classic. Considered one of Herbie Hancock’s most masterful works, Maiden Voyage is an album which aims to capture the various moods and emotions that go along with the sea. The concept is a success. This album will draw you in with its “storytelling” melodies, changes of emotions, and overall musical mastery. This album is not to be missed.
# 4: John Coltrane – Blue Train
Easily one of the greatest jazz albums of all time. This album was John Coltrane’s first album under his own name, and was one of his personal favorites. The first track “Blue Train” is one of the most famous jazz songs ever recorded. The album already showcases the unique playing style of John Coltrane, and his signature “sheets of sound”. It’s best not to think of this as one of the greatest jazz albums ever recorded, but one of the best albums ever recorded.
# 3: Herbie Hancock – Headhunters
Headhunters was a defining moment in Herbie Hancock’s career. After his free jazz days with his Mwandishi albums, Herbie produced this album which has a more melodic and funky feel to it. It is widely reported as the greatest selling album in jazz history. This album is not a simple “jazz” album, however. It is credited as the defining album of the so-called “fusion” sound. I cannot say enough great things about this album. It will blow you away with its energy and funkiness.
# 2: Miles Davis – Kind of Blue
If you’re interested in listening to jazz music, many people will point you towards this album first. Arguably the greatest album in jazz history (and the history of music, for that matter), Kind of Blue was produced when Miles Davis was innovating a new style of jazz, known as “modal” jazz, or jazz music based on modes. The style of this album is uber-cool, with relaxed, mellow melodies. This album features both John Coltrane and Miles Davis, and belongs in every single music lover’s collection.
# 1: John Coltrane – A Love Supreme
This is one of the most deeply moving albums I have ever heard. This album was considered by Coltrane to be his gift to God. The liner notes feature an ode to God, written by Coltrane, and the end of the suite is a “musical narration” of this poem. Beyond the deep meaning of the music, this album contains some of Coltrane’s most amazing playing, especially during “Pursuance”. This album is one of the greatest ever produced in any genre. I can’t recommend this album enough!
So, there you have it, folks! If you don’t own any (or all) of these albums, I am quite certain that you will not be disappointed in any of them. Get out your turntable, and give these albums a rotation!
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Topics: jazz | 9 Comments »
Vinyl is Back!
Heard the news? Vinyl is back in style. Yes, after years lying dormant in the face of new technologies…The 8 track, the cassette, the CD, obscure digital media formats like MiniCD, HDCD, SACD, and DVD Audio, and most recently, digital formats like MP3, WMA, and AAC, music lovers of the world are embracing…Vinyl??
Yes, it’s true. Sure, vinyl isn’t very portable, nor is it very easy to use, and it certainly isn’t easy to find, but it does provide a unique and rich listening experience unavailable in any other format. In fact, most music lovers agree: You cannot beat the sound of vinyl. If you’re new to the format welcome! If you’re a seasoned veteran, welcome back! Enjoy the music…
Check out the vinyl store for all sorts of records and LPs from your favorite artists.
For the love of music…
Your host,
Alan
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