Stellar Regions: The Cosmic Music of John & Alice Coltrane
Taught by Christopher Bussmann
Christopher Bussmann is a Brooklyn based librarian by day and a jazz cultural historian, writer, educator, and former broadcaster by night. Christopher runs Bop And Beyond, a jazz blog dedicated to the bebop and hard bop sounds of the mid-twentieth century. His former radio show aired for over ten years in Rochester, Montreal, and Brooklyn. You can visit his site at bopandbeyond.wordpress.com and on twitter at @bopandbeyond.
“My music is the spiritual expression of what I am — my faith, my knowledge, my being..."
- John Coltrane
When John Coltrane met Alice McLeod in 1963, he was peaking as a jazz artist: creative, critical, and financial success flowed as audiences embraced Trane's immense talents. But when Alice replaced pianist McCoy Tyner in her husband's band, breaking up the beloved classic quartet, the tide changed and a backlash mounted against the direction of Trane's music. Alternating between a heady new age spiritualism and strident avant-garde approach, Trane's new music alienated many and the blame fell mostly on the shoulders of his wife. After Trane's untimely passing in 1967, Alice Coltrane became persona-non-grata with the mainstream jazz community despite releasing several important albums in the early 1970's and furthering the legacy of her husband's music until her own passing in 2007.
This class aims to rehabilitate Alice Coltrane's reputation and shed a revealing light upon the spiritual dimensions of John Coltrane's later music. We'll give an in-depth listen to several of their collaborations, as well as music from acolytes like Pharoah Sanders.
No previous musical knowledge or experience is required for this class. Just bring open ears and an open mind! All participants will receive an MP3 playlist and guides to further reading and listening.
