The New Jazz Musings

J azz Journal in September 1967 published an article on John Coltrane by Barry McRae. It was #9 in a journal series - Column for The Newcomer to Jazz. Presumably Coltrane was chosen because he had passed away the month before the article was written. I haven't seen the August issue, but it doesn't appear to highlight a John Coltrane feature, so I’m not sure if it had anything more substantial. But if not, this presumably is his Jazz Journal obituary. "As the face of jazz changed in the ‘fifties, certain players emerged as the dominant voices. Men such as Charles Mingus, Sonny Rollins, John Coltrane and Ornette Coleman became central figures in a jazz world that more than ever before was fighting for its economic survival. Saxophonist Coltrane was perhaps the most fortunate, for his period under the Miles Davis aegis gave him both the financial security and the fame to support his later ventures as a combo leader. John Coltrane was born in Hamlet, North Carol

Up to now my blog entries have primarily focused on that great period of 1960s jazz (or New Music), mostly around New York based musicians. The East Coast was where the Free Jazz movement was centred. It's been a while since jazz felt as contemporary, and for me that period is still a journey of discovery. However, I thought I would create a blog entry on what I think is an exciting and current period, especially around one particular tenor saxophonist. Shabaka Hutchings, the Guildhall classically trained musician, and London based, is creating quite a stir, especially now he is signed to (the new) Impulse Records. Currently on a world tour with The Comet is Coming, his analog synth, drums and sax trio, to promote their latest album. They are a powerful mix of drum and bass, analog dance sounds, and Shabaka's tenor. I saw them on the first gig of the tour and they were absolutely a power trio. Their new album has been a bit more minimal on purpose. Dan Leavers and Max Hallet