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As I listen to John Coltrane's music and read about his life, I can't
help but wonder what was happening around him to inspire such greatness?
Did he have any idea what an impact he would have on music? Does a
musician see the bigger picture any better than anyone else? Can he
separate himself from his environment or even his own heart?John Coltrane may have never tried. The growth
of his music was a natural development for what was the here and now for
him. It seems that part of what makes a truly great contributor is the
ability to, and the willingness to live inside the issues and express
them as an extension of themselves. Coltrane living in New York City,
listening to Malcolm X, surrounded by the conflicts of a generation
struggling with issues of war and freedom, produced a new sound. Some
called it the new black sound. When asked how he felt about this title,
Coltrane very appropriately captured and predicted the emerging genre; it
was a reflection of the human heart.Evident
in his interviews as well as his music,
Coltrane dealt mainly in matters of the heart. It seems his
interviews were full of complex, historical and philosophical questions
and his answers were consistently simple and individual. He said in a
world full of brotherhood, we need only to listen to what speaks to us,
our hearts. It didn't seem to occur to him that some people never hear
their hearts speak, they rely on others. His soulful mix of jazz and
blues lead the way for many musicians. He is still quoted as being the
leading inspiration for many musicians and listeners.Coltrane's career is saturated with influences. He played with
many people: Duke Ellington and
Miles Davis ,
among others. His years were marked with criticism and praise. In his own
words, his times of stumbling were compounded by challenge in all areas
of his life. And in retrospect, he attributed his faults to not being
true to himself, not pushing in his search. When asked his ultimate goal,
he said he felt a man could only seek to be his fullest and best. His
best, he knew would come through the saxophone, and through
his philosophy ,
" I don't know. I just know that good can only bring good.." Story by Elizabeth Ward compiled from interviews by Frank Kofsky Photos by |
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 NCJRO performs John Coltrane's Central Park West arranged by John Fedchock
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