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Conversations in Jazz

Tags: #music #jazz #history #interviews #culture

Authors: Ralph J. Gleason, Toby Gleason

Overview

In this collection of my jazz interviews from the late 1950s and early 1960s, readers get a rare and intimate look at some of the greatest figures in this uniquely American art form as they grappled with the creative challenges and social complexities of their era. These conversations are more than just historical curiosities; they offer insights into the enduring power of jazz and its ability to speak to the human condition across generations. Readers will gain a deeper understanding of the music’s evolution and its ongoing relevance as a vibrant art form. The artists featured in this book discuss their personal experiences in the context of the broader issues and debates that were shaping the jazz world and American society as a whole during this period – the challenges of making a living as a jazz musician, the role of race and social identity, and the quest for originality and innovation. I believe these interviews continue to hold valuable lessons for aspiring musicians and music enthusiasts alike, providing inspiration and insight into the creative process and the complexities of a life devoted to art.

Book Outline

1. John Coltrane

Coltrane discusses his approach to soloing and arranging, including his desire to incorporate both structured and improvisational elements. He also shares his experiences working with other notable jazz musicians such as Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis.

Key concept: “The free part in there I wanted it to be just something where we could improvise on just the minor chord and improvise on the major chord. But I don’t know, it seems like it gets harder and harder to find something different on it.

2. Quincy Jones

Quincy Jones, already a highly sought-after arranger, details his ambitious plans to form his own big band in a musical landscape where big bands had fallen out of favor. He argues the importance of finding new and creative opportunities for the band to work in order to carve out a niche and avoid direct competition with established institutions like the Count Basie and Duke Ellington orchestras.

Key concept: “’Cause really Basie’s going good now but he’s not going as big as the band can go. It takes many angles too, Ralph, you know that? I think that’s one of the most important parts is stirring up and creating work for it, rather than just following the things that are already set. You have to almost create—like the Lambert singers—they made themselves a gig! There was no place for them to work, but they just made themselves a gig.

3. Milt Jackson

Milt Jackson discusses his love for playing the vibraphone and his experiences playing with various jazz greats, especially Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker. He emphasizes the importance of feeling a groove, whether playing in a small combo or a large ensemble.

Key concept: “Personally, yes. If you get a groove it doesn’t matter. Big band, little band, anything. The musicians themselves inspire you.

4. Percy Heath

Percy Heath discusses his musical background, his early experiences with jazz, and his long tenure with the Modern Jazz Quartet. He shares his thoughts on the importance of musical discipline, the challenges of touring, and the MJQ’s unique place in the jazz world.

Key concept: “It’s always been pretty important over there, it’s just recently been realized by people here, government people, they finally have realized the tremendous affect and appreciation these people have over there for this. In fact, a lot of people say that’s the only thing they like about America or Americans is their music, the rest of their policies and things are kind of accepted ’cause they have to, because they depend on these people for support.”

5. Connie Kay

Connie Kay reflects on his musical journey, from his early fascination with Cab Calloway’s music to his role as the drummer for the Modern Jazz Quartet. He shares insights into his approach to drumming, the importance of listening, and his experiences playing with legendary jazz musicians such as Lester Young and Sid Catlett.

Key concept: “Well, John might write a tune and say, ‘This is supposed to sound like this.’ Like we have this new tune ‘Cylinder.’ He says, ‘Now I want this to sound like a cylinder.’ ‘Well,’ I said, ‘how does a cylinder sound?’ You know he has to try and make something sound like a cylinder. So between what he thinks a cylinder sounds like and what I think a cylinder sounds like, we got something.

6. Sonny Rollins

Sonny Rollins details his philosophy on jazz improvisation, his musical influences, and his unique approach to playing the saxophone. He also touches upon the challenges of connecting with audiences and the importance of originality in jazz music.

Key concept: “’Cause really Basie’s going good now but he’s not going as big as the band can go. It takes many angles too, Ralph, you know that? I think that’s one of the most important parts is stirring up and creating work for it, rather than just following the things that are already set. You have to almost create—like the Lambert singers—they made themselves a gig!

7. Bill Evans

Bill Evans discusses his personal connection to jazz music, his musical influences, and the creative process of composing and improvising. He also shares his thoughts on the challenges of balancing personal artistic expression with commercial demands.

Key concept: “It doesn’t seem to all the time, but I think one of the reasons is that sometimes the feeling that I enjoy most is a quiet feeling and it might just evoke a quiet response, like I was talking about before. But I think when things are really happening, it will communicate.”

8. Horace Silver

Horace Silver shares his songwriting process, his preference for writing original compositions, and his thoughts on the importance of incorporating blues and Latin influences into his music.

Key concept: “Simplicity is very hard, you know, being simple without being corny. To write a simple melody, easy for them to play, easy chord changes for them to play, and yet have it be saying something and have some depth to it, something that’s going to be a good piece of music, that’s very hard

9. Duke Ellington

Duke Ellington, the elder statesman of jazz, offers his perspective on the evolution of jazz, the importance of understanding the audience, and the ever-present need for innovation and creativity in music.

Key concept: “Well, problems are funny things. I think if I had never had a problem in music, I never would’ve gotten into it. You see … I enjoy my problems. My problems come to me as opportunities … sometimes they’re a challenge.”

10. Les McCann

Les McCann shares his musical journey, starting with gospel singing and transitioning to jazz. He discusses his unique musical style, the challenges of the music industry, and his perspectives on race, religion, and music.

Key concept: “Well, see, all that—and I don’t mean it like sometime we go up on the stand, we don’t feel the best, you know, but we still, even if we don’t say anything to each other, we trying to play group-wise or bring out something from us that we really

11. Jon Hendricks

Jon Hendricks discusses his development as a jazz vocalist and lyricist, the challenges of writing vocalese, and his experiences collaborating with other jazz musicians, particularly Dave Lambert and Count Basie. He also reflects on the broader social context of jazz and its potential to bridge cultural divides.

Key concept: “No. I think that jazz has a harder time doing it, because peoples’ minds aren’t opened to jazz. Jazz is—I make a claim—people say jazz has made so many strides, so much progress, I claim that in essential areas, it ain’t made no progress at all.

12. “Philly” Joe Jones

Philly Joe Jones recounts his early experiences with jazz, the musicians who influenced his drumming style, and his thoughts on the evolution of jazz drumming. He also shares insights into his time playing with Miles Davis, highlighting the importance of rhythmic interplay and improvisation.

Key concept: “Drums are changing constantly, because you have so many young drummers that are coming up and the young drummers hear drummers that they will idolize just like I idolized drummers—like Chick and Jo Jones. But the things I used to hear them play, I wanted to play some different things

Essential Questions

1. Why did these musicians devote their lives to jazz, given its challenges and complexities?

This question delves into the musicians’ understanding of their own artistic motivations and the role jazz played in their lives. The interviews reveal that for many of them, jazz was more than just a career; it was a deeply personal form of expression, a way to connect with their emotions, and a source of profound joy. Despite the challenges of the music industry, their passion for the art form remained unwavering. The musicians discuss the struggles they faced, including racial prejudice, financial instability, and the pressure to conform to commercial expectations, highlighting their dedication to their craft in the face of adversity.

2. What were the different creative approaches and philosophies that shaped these musicians’ music?

The conversations reveal a range of approaches to improvisation, composition, and collaboration. Musicians like John Coltrane and Sonny Rollins emphasized the importance of exploring their instruments and pushing boundaries, while others like Bill Evans stressed the importance of discipline and structure. The book demonstrates that there’s no single path to success in jazz, highlighting the diversity of creative approaches within the genre.

3. How did these musicians view the evolution of jazz, and what were their hopes and concerns for its future?

This question probes the musicians’ thoughts on the evolution of jazz and its relationship to the broader cultural landscape. The interviews reveal a deep respect for the history and traditions of the music, along with a desire to push boundaries and explore new possibilities. Their perspectives shed light on the tensions between tradition and innovation, commercialism and artistic integrity, that shaped the development of jazz during this period.

4. How did race and cultural identity influence these musicians’ music and experiences?

The book emphasizes the deep connection between jazz and the African American experience, particularly the influence of gospel music and the Black church. Musicians like Les McCann and Philly Joe Jones eloquently articulate the spiritual and emotional power of gospel music and its influence on their playing. The interviews shed light on the complex relationship between race, culture, and music in American society.

5. What is the lasting significance of these musicians, and how did their work shape the landscape of jazz music?

This question prompts a reflection on the enduring legacy of these artists and their contributions to the global musical landscape. The book demonstrates that their impact extends far beyond their musical innovations, as they served as cultural ambassadors, social critics, and role models, inspiring generations of musicians and fans worldwide. The conversations offer a reminder of the transformative power of music and its ability to transcend cultural barriers.

Key Takeaways

1. Jazz is a dynamic and constantly evolving art form.

The musicians in the book often discuss their constant evolution and refinement of their playing styles and compositions. They acknowledge that their music is not static and is constantly being shaped by their experiences, collaborations, and audience feedback. This highlights the dynamic nature of the creative process and the importance of embracing change and growth.

Practical Application:

For AI product engineers, understanding the importance of iterative development and allowing for flexibility in design is crucial. Building in mechanisms for adaptation and evolution based on user feedback and real-world application can lead to more robust and successful products. Just as a jazz musician refines their improvisations over time, an AI product can be continuously improved through ongoing feedback and refinement.

2. Collaboration is essential in jazz.

Collaboration is a recurring theme in the book, as many of the musicians discuss the importance of working with others and learning from different perspectives. They highlight the unique contributions that each musician brings to a band, emphasizing the importance of synergy and the ability to adapt to one another’s playing styles.

Practical Application:

When developing AI products, encouraging diverse perspectives and collaboration within the development team can lead to more creative and innovative solutions. Just as a jazz band relies on the unique contributions of each musician, an AI team can benefit from the different skills and experiences of its members.

3. Connecting with the audience is crucial.

While these musicians valued individual expression, they also recognized the importance of connecting with their audiences. They discussed the challenges of balancing artistic integrity with commercial appeal, and the importance of finding ways to reach and move listeners through their music.

Practical Application:

Just as a jazz musician strives to connect with their audience through their music, AI product engineers must prioritize user experience and strive to create products that are not only functional but also engaging and meaningful for users. Understanding the needs and preferences of the target audience is crucial for developing successful AI products.

4. Respect for tradition is important, but innovation is also essential.

The book reveals the artists’ deep respect for the history and traditions of jazz, even as they sought to push boundaries and innovate. They acknowledged the influence of earlier generations of musicians, recognizing the importance of learning from the past while forging their own paths.

Practical Application:

For AI engineers working with music or other creative applications, understanding the importance of preserving the essence of the art form while using technology to enhance or transform it is crucial. This could involve developing AI algorithms that can generate music that is both original and stylistically consistent with existing musical genres.

5. Intuition and spontaneity are vital elements of jazz.

Many of the musicians highlight the importance of intuition, spontaneity, and the ability to embrace the unexpected moments that arise during a performance. They discuss the concept of “getting in the groove” as a state of heightened creativity and connection with fellow musicians, where musical ideas flow freely and effortlessly.

Practical Application:

This concept can be applied in AI by developing systems that can identify patterns and anomalies in data, not just those that are explicitly programmed. By allowing for unexpected outcomes and building in flexibility, AI algorithms can be more adaptable and capable of discovering novel solutions.

Suggested Deep Dive

Chapter: John Coltrane

Coltrane’s interview is particularly insightful because it captures him at a pivotal moment in his career, just as he was about to embark on his most groundbreaking work. His discussion of his artistic goals and his desire to push the boundaries of jazz music foreshadows the innovative and influential music he would create in the years to come.

Memorable Quotes

John Coltrane. 19

Well, I feel the sound better with a big band. Some of these things that I like I think would really sound better with a big band but whether I could get one or not, I don’t know.

Quincy Jones. 42

And they’re experienced and mature enough to realize that we have to play a few things. ‘Cause Basie did it the hard way. And boy, he broke his ass on it. ‘Cause see, he scuffled for so long and by that time Willard [Alexander] – he owed Willard a fortune, you know.

Milt Jackson. 89

Personally, yes. If you get a groove it doesn’t matter. Big band, little band, anything. The musicians themselves inspire you. It might be a hundred, it might be one, it might be just a guitar player, it might be just a bass player, anything. Your inspiration comes actually from the musicians, not from the instruments themselves, not from a whole lot of instruments, anything, your inspiration comes from whatever the thing does.

Percy Heath. 130

Yeah, especially in Europe, not so much in America. Well, I do it in America, too, but it’s illegal. But in almost all little towns in Europe there’s a jazz club or a jazz cellar or something and somebody will always come around and ask.

Bill Evans. 197

There’s a particular attitude, I think, sort of an instantaneous response or something like that. It’s just sort of a direct thing, and this immediately imposes, I think, a closed area within which you have to work, an area in which you develop the facility, you know.

Comparative Analysis

“Conversations in Jazz” stands out as a unique contribution to jazz literature due to its intimacy and depth. Unlike other books that focus on biographical details or musical analysis, this book captures the raw, unfiltered thoughts and feelings of these musicians in a way that few other works have been able to achieve. The dialogues flow naturally and reveal personal insights that are both enlightening and entertaining, making it feel like you’re sitting in the living room alongside these jazz legends. The book also provides a valuable historical perspective, offering insights into the anxieties and ambitions of these musicians as they navigated a rapidly changing social and cultural landscape during a pivotal period in jazz history.

Reflection

Conversations in Jazz provides a captivating glimpse into the minds of some of the most innovative and influential figures in jazz history. Their candid reflections on their creative processes, struggles, and triumphs offer a valuable perspective on the artistry and social context of the music. While Gleason’s admiration for these musicians is evident, the book avoids hagiography, presenting their flaws and contradictions as well. The absence of female voices is a noticeable limitation, reflecting the gender imbalance that existed in the jazz world at the time. However, the book’s enduring value lies in its ability to capture the spirit and essence of jazz as a living, breathing art form. These conversations offer a timeless reminder of the power of music to connect people, transcend boundaries, and inspire change. Although grounded in a specific time and place, the musicians’ insights resonate with contemporary readers and remain relevant in today’s world where creativity, collaboration, and a willingness to experiment are more important than ever.

Flashcards

In what year did Ralph Gleason interview Quincy Jones?

1959

What term did Ira Gitler coin to describe John Coltrane’s saxophone style?

“Sheets of Sound”

Who said, “I feel like I’m on the same level as you because you have proven you are a great listener.”

Duke Ellington

What record label signed John Coltrane in 1961?

Impulse! Records

According to Philly Joe Jones, Miles Davis got all his seasoning from which saxophonist?

Lester Young

In what year was Michael Jackson’s Thriller released?

1982

What was the name of Dizzy Gillespie’s mock political party?

“The John Birks Society”

What was Philly Joe Jones’ signature rim shot called?

The “Philly lick”

When was Les McCann’s hit “Compared to What” recorded?

1969

Where did Sonny Rollins famously practice in seclusion in the late 1950s?

Williamsburg Bridge