Dive into Coltrane's world at Djungel & Jazz - where each vinyl tells the story of a jazz pioneer
Early Years and Musical Talent
John William Coltrane was born on September 23, 1926 in Hamlet, North Carolina, and his musical journey began early. Raised in a musical family, he was introduced to the saxophone in his teens and quickly showed an outstanding talent. He took his first steps into the jazz world by playing with legendary musicians such as Dizzy Gillespie and Johnny Hodges .
The Miles Davis Quintet and the Father of Modal Jazz
Coltrane's star status became evident when he joined the Miles Davis Quintet in the 1950s. His groundbreaking work with Miles Davis, particularly on the album Kind of Blue, marked the beginning of his contribution to Modal Jazz. Coltrane was the key figure behind the increased use of modal harmonies and improvisation, which greatly influenced the direction of jazz at this time.
Own Quartet and the Exploration of the Spiritual
After leaving Miles Davis, Coltrane formed his own quartet and began a period of intense musical exploration. Albums like Giant Steps and My Favorite Things showed his brilliance and ability to experiment with different musical ideas. Coltrane was not only a technically skilled musician but also a spiritual seeker, and this was reflected in his music, especially in the album A Love Supreme.
John and his Wife, Alice Coltrane
John Coltrane and Alice McLeod, as she was called before marriage, first met during their time together in a band led by pianist Bud Powell in the early 1960s. During that time, John was already an established jazz saxophonist, and Alice had made a name for herself as a talented pianist. Their shared interest in music became the basis of their relationship.
After a period of collaboration and growing feelings for each other, John Coltrane and Alice Coltrane married in 1965. The marriage was an important period in both their lives and also marked a change in John Coltrane's musical direction. Together with Alice Coltrane, they became a significant musical force and influence in the jazz world.
Avant-Garde and the Last Years
Throughout his career, Coltrane continued to challenge the norms of Jazz, moving towards more Avant-garde and experimental music. His last albums, such as Ascension and Meditations , showed his desire to break new ground and challenge listeners.
The legacy
At Djungel & Jazz we pay tribute to John Coltrane by offering a carefully curated selection of his works on vinyl. From the melodic notes of My Favorite Things to the spiritual passages of A Love Supreme, we strive to share Coltrane's musical legacy and continue to inspire new generations of jazz enthusiasts.
John Coltrane's Influence
John Coltrane left us on July 17, 1967, but his musical legacy lives on. His influence spans genres and generations and continues to shape the way we perceive and experience jazz music. At Djungel & Jazz we celebrate this jazz legend and invite you to discover his timeless contribution to the world of music.
