The hottest Jazz Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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John Coltrane's Love Is Still Supreme at Age 60

The Honest Broker • 20113 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🎶 Music Jazz Albums Artists Music history Influence
  1. John Coltrane was incredibly busy in 1964, recording a lot of music and practicing hard. He often practiced so much that fans would overhear him in unusual places, showing his deep commitment to music.
  2. Coltrane's album 'A Love Supreme' was more than just music; it was a gift to God and a spiritual journey for him. The album's liner notes expressed his devotion, which was quite rare in jazz at the time.
  3. Even decades after its release, 'A Love Supreme' remains influential in jazz music. Many modern musicians still draw inspiration from Coltrane's style, showing that his music continues to resonate with new generations.

When Louis Armstrong Conquered Chicago

The Honest Broker • 12035 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🎶 Music Jazz Biography Cultural History Entertainment Performing Arts
  1. Louis Armstrong changed American music by creating new rhythms and melodies that had never been heard before. His unique trumpet playing and singing style influenced countless artists.
  2. Ricky Riccardi has been studying Louis Armstrong for years and has written a detailed biography telling Armstrong's life story in three parts. This highlights both Armstrong's early struggles and his rise to fame.
  3. Armstrong's move to Chicago was a significant turning point in his career. He felt nervous at first, but once he started playing music, his confidence grew, showing how talent can shine through even initial doubts.

10 Great Vince Guaraldi Tracks NOT from Charlie Brown TV Shows

The Honest Broker • 7812 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🎶 Music Jazz Artists Soundtracks
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Composing 'A Charlie Brown Christmas'

Animation Obsessive • 13095 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Music Animation Television Jazz Christmas
  1. The music of 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' by Vince Guaraldi became a key part of what makes the special so beloved. Many people love this Christmas classic mainly because of its wonderful soundtrack.
  2. Guaraldi wasn't widely known when he composed the score, and he thought it was just another gig. Yet, this music changed his career and became defining for the 'Peanuts' series.
  3. The show faced tight deadlines and a small budget, which made the team worried it would flop. Surprisingly, it became a big success and has remained a holiday favorite for years.

A New ’Joy‘ in Jazz

Steady • 13994 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🎶 Music Jazz Genre Social media
  1. Samara Joy is a rising star in the world of jazz music.
  2. She has a unique style that blends classic jazz with gospel influences.
  3. Joy is using her social media presence to introduce jazz to a younger audience.
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How Miles Davis Hired John Coltrane

The Honest Broker • 8710 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🎶 Music Jazz Artists Narrative Biography Music Industry
  1. Miles Davis hired John Coltrane out of necessity, as his band needed a saxophonist for an upcoming tour.
  2. John Coltrane's musical talent and knowledge of Miles Davis's repertoire impressed during tryouts, leading to his eventual hiring.
  3. Their initial interactions were characterized by Miles Davis's aloofness and Coltrane's uncertainty, but despite difficulties, Coltrane eventually joined Davis's band.

In Search of Dupree Bolton

The Honest Broker • 8245 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🎶 Music Jazz Musician Music history Music Industry
  1. Dupree Bolton was a mysterious and talented jazz trumpeter who emerged suddenly on the West Coast jazz scene in the 1950s, made recordings marked by his unique style, but then disappeared abruptly.
  2. Despite his brief career, Dupree Bolton left a lasting impact with his remarkable trumpet playing on records like 'The Fox' and 'Katanga!' alongside saxophonist Curtis Amy.
  3. Researcher Ted Gioia tracked down Dupree Bolton years later in San Francisco, where the musician was playing on the streets, revealing a complex and troubled life story that included struggles with drugs and internal conflict.

"This Is a Hell of a Statement I'm About to Make—But He Superseded Miles"

The Honest Broker • 7846 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎶 Music Streaming Jazz Culture Media Investment
  1. Spotify is facing challenges with fake artists, playlists, and financial losses, raising concerns about the music streaming service's business model.
  2. The shift from macroculture to microculture is evident in the media industry, with traditional legacy outlets experiencing layoffs while alternative platforms like Substack thrive.
  3. There is a trend towards investment firms buying song catalogs, the decline of live music reviews in mainstream media, and interest in the transformative power of sound highlighted through the work of Hans Jenny in 'Cymatics'.

Christian Wolff

Dada Drummer Almanach • 86 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🎶 Music Composition Performance Jazz Classical
  1. Music exists through performance, meaning it comes alive when played by musicians. The written score is important, but it doesn't define the music completely.
  2. Christian Wolff contributed to a style of music that allows performers to interpret and play it in different ways. This makes each performance unique.
  3. Wolff was part of the New York School of composers, which focused on new musical ideas and included famous figures like John Cage. Their work influenced how we think about music today.

The Unclassifiable, Unstreamable Eighties Albums of Annette Peacock

Dada Drummer Almanach • 86 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🎶 Music Rock Jazz Albums Streaming
  1. Annette Peacock's albums from the eighties aren't available on streaming services or in print. It's hard to find her music today.
  2. Peacock is seen as a rock star due to her unique style and background, but she struggles with self-confidence. She believes bravery and confidence are different traits.
  3. Despite her struggles, Peacock has had an intriguing career with many twists, showing her brave nature in the music industry.

Miles Davis

Flow State • 569 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🎶 Music Jazz Musician Album Biography Recommendation
  1. Miles Davis was an American trumpeter and composer known for his 'cool jazz' sound
  2. Davis incorporated funk, rock, and electronic styles into his music in the 70s
  3. One of Davis's notable albums, 'Agharta', captured a live performance in Japan

THE MIND OF SONNY ROLLINS

The Nelson George Mixtape • 452 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🎶 Music Jazz Musician Biography History
  1. Sonny Rollins was obsessed with study and rehearsal, enjoying practice more than performing for an audience.
  2. Sonny Rollins' music and philosophy were influenced by Buddhism, yoga, and the streets of New York.
  3. To learn more about Sonny Rollins, recommended readings include 'Saxophone Colossus' by Aidan Levy.

Hiromi

Flow State • 275 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🎶 Music Composer Jazz Classical Performances
  1. Hiromi is a talented Japanese pianist, composer, and bandleader.
  2. She moved to the U.S. to study at Berklee and caught the attention of Ahmad Jamal.
  3. Check out her albums Spectrum and Duet for a mix of blues, jazz, pop, and classical music.

MacArthur Park — that 7½-minute "cake out in the rain" song that mesmerized us

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 119 implied HN points • 24 Apr 24
🎶 Music Pop Jazz Songwriting Music history
  1. The song 'MacArthur Park' tells a story about losing true love and the deep emotions connected to that loss. It's a journey of heartache that many can relate to.
  2. There are famous versions of the song by Richard Harris, Donna Summer, and Maynard Ferguson, each bringing a different vibe, from emotional ballad to upbeat disco.
  3. The lyrics are both literal and symbolic, with imagery that represents beauty lost, like a cake left out in the rain, and the songwriter wanted to capture that feeling in both music and words.

Wayne Shorter

Flow State • 452 implied HN points • 09 Mar 23
🎶 Music Jazz
  1. Wayne Shorter was an American saxophonist known for his legendary experimentalism in jazz music.
  2. He was part of Miles Davis's second quintet and co-led Weather Report.
  3. Shorter's passing was acknowledged, and a 2011 compilation of his Blue Note Records tracks is recommended for listening.

Jazz and confrontation

Expanding Dan • 432 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
🎶 Music Interview Radio Jazz Comedy
  1. In 1977, Walter Becker and Donald Fagen showcased their jazz influences on a radio program
  2. Becker and Fagen engaged in confrontational and humorous banter during the broadcast
  3. The interview highlighted the duo's wit and humor, even in the face of criticism

RIP Wayne Shorter

The Nelson George Mixtape • 432 implied HN points • 03 Mar 23
🎶 Music Jazz Composer Concerts
  1. Wayne Shorter's music has a wide range, from hard bop to space experiments to bright sounds.
  2. Shorter had unique encounters in different settings like an Italian music festival and a film screening.
  3. His mystical, searching style on soprano sax connected with elements during a concert in Ravello, Italy.

🎷Brad, Terry, Herbie Mann, and All That Jazz: Improv Reflections on the Uniquely American Music🎺🎶

Front Row & Backstage • 353 implied HN points • 03 Jul 23
🎶 Music Jazz Improvisation Instruments Artists Performances
  1. Jazz can be a rich experience with different interpretations from various artists.
  2. Listening to jazz involves focusing on individual instruments and appreciating the interplay.
  3. Jazz requires musicianship and expertise to navigate through improvisation within a structured framework.

Magical Music

Clinsights • 275 implied HN points • 15 Mar 23
🎶 Music Reflections Jazz Artists
  1. Music has the power to communicate directly into our souls.
  2. A substance-induced buzz can enhance the music experience by removing barriers.
  3. Sharing music with someone can be a magical time travel experience.

An Ineffable Memory Of Effortless Mastery

Weekly Wisdom • 179 implied HN points • 16 Mar 23
🎶 Music Jazz Performance Mastery Books Art
  1. The author recounts experiencing a state of effortless mastery while playing jazz piano after a series of events including alcohol consumption and the unexpected presence of their father, creating a magical performance.
  2. Effortless mastery in music, as discussed in the book 'Effortless Mastery' by Kenny Werner, involves overcoming self-imposed limitations and negative thinking through affirmations and a love for the process.
  3. The author shares affirmations such as 'I am a master' and 'Music is easy' that counter self-criticism with positive beliefs, highlighting the importance of mindset in achieving mastery and enjoying the process.

An Inspired World

Critic at Large • 19 implied HN points • 08 Jul 23
🎶 Music Jazz Album
  1. Stan Getz and Eddie Sauter collaborated in 1961 to create an album where Getz improvised melodies over pre-composed orchestral arrangements, a unique approach in jazz history.
  2. The album 'Focus' is considered the finest work of both Getz and Sauter's careers, showcasing Getz's unmatched tone and brilliance in saxophone playing.
  3. Despite Stan Getz's troubled personal life, his music in 'Focus' remains untainted by his struggles, highlighting the transformative power of art to separate the artist from their creations.

Start the week #58

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 15 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
📚 Literature Writing Book Reviews Art Jazz
  1. The author had a close call with their cat Minty almost getting run over, revealing a story with humor and relief.
  2. The author is promoting a writing course and showcased an AI-generated press release that praised their literary imagination.
  3. The author is reimagining Macbeth for a modern audience, blending humor and nuance to explore the characters' dynamics.