You’ve Never Heard Of John Coltrane?

Not too long ago I was talking to this man.  I'll call him a friend even though we have never spent a great deal of time together but because I've known him for years and we've always gotten along great.  He's a well educated man, self-driven, motivated, successful and a person that I think very highly of mind you.  He worked in education for over 30 years.  He began his career as a teacher, worked his way up to high school principal and then ascended in rank and worked at our Board of Education.  He was even in the running to be our county school systems next Superintendent before deciding to retire instead.    

Somehow during our conversation the topic of music came up, which led down the path to jazz.  He said, "You know, I don't think I could name a single jazz musician other than Miles Davis." Now, I'm sure the look on my face was a mixture of confusion, disbelief, disappointment, or a thought of facetiousness.  I responded by saying, "Seriously?"  He followed with, "I'm dead serious."  "You've never heard of John Coltrane?," I added.  He said, "Nope, never heard of him."  

I was shocked.  Taken aback really.  I couldn't believe it.  Here is this guy, an accomplished, scholarly, extremely intelligent, cultured pillar of our community and he's never heard of John Coltrane??  My mind went straight to this elitist and pretentious playground where I was going to school this fella and immediately tell him what I knew, how smart I was and how he was a complete moron for not knowing what I know and what to my mind was basic, rudimentary, common knowledge!  I mean, seriously, how did he not know who 'Trane was?  Geez, how does this dude even function without knowing a basic life-skill such as that?  I'm surprised he even graduated Kindergarten.   

After about 4 seconds I came back to reality and thought, "I'm an idiot.  At one point I didn't know who he was either."  I then proceeded to name four or five songs that he should check out to dip his toe in the water of one of the greatest and most influential saxophone players of all-time. 

In the case of Coltrane, as we all know, he can take it to places we didn't even know existed and to the uninitiated it can be a bit daunting and he might even be perceived as someone that has gone off the deep end.  So, in that respect, I didn't want to bombard this particular guy with A Love Supreme and have him dissect the meaning behind the entire album or have him write a report on what scales and passing tones he used in the "Transition composition."  That might be a bit too much.  Truthfully, I don't really remember the particular songs I mentioned, but I'm sure I mentioned "Blue Train" and "Summertime" and a few others in that vein. 

I had to realize that a probable major cause of him not knowing or pursuing Coltrane, others like him, and jazz music in general was that maybe he just didn't care.  See, when I was first introduced to the genre I wanted to learn about it.  The moment someone introduced me to an artist I may not have heard of I took it upon myself to read and listen to all I could find.  I didn't have to be urged or persuaded.  My friend may not have that same initiative.  He may have no interest whatsoever... and that's ok.  Just like I have absolutely zero interest in learning how to hang drywall or how to rebuild a transmission.  

That got me wondering how I could change this for him and for others like him?  Not necessarily trying to force a person to like jazz or a particular artist, but at least peak an interest so that they might be willing to give it a listen.  

Providing a playlist to get started could be a decent idea.  One that might have interpretations of well known songs, possibly?  Providing some literature about an artist always intrigued me, so that may work too.  Especially if they have a unique backstory or journey that got them to where they ultimately ended up.  Even finding some video clips of a live show is always good.

Now, I'm not under the delusion that introducing someone to something new and foreign as jazz was in this circumstance will just magically turn a person into a jazz connoisseur, however it may expand their ears and mind enough to at least take note and appreciate the incredible musicianship, historic significance, and importance of the world of jazz and its creators.

Are most humans just naturally hesitant about things they don't understand?  I wonder if it's because after we get a little older we lose the enthusiasm to try something new or learn?  Like the old saying, "Can't teach an old dog new tricks."  It's not that we can't.  We just don't want to.  Man, I hope that isn't true.           

What do you guys think?  What's the best way to introduce someone to jazz or jazz artists?  What songs might you suggest to someone interested in learning more and from what artists?  I'd love to hear your opinion.

That reminds me.  I need to check back in with that dude and see if he ever did wade through any of those Coltrane songs.  

Thanks for reading everyone.  I sure hope you enjoyed it.  Tune back in next time to see what we might have on the smoker.  The Jazz BBQ:  Where we are always cookin' up some tasty tunes and discussing the wonderful world of jazz.       

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Posted to Jazz BBQ IN THE All About Jazz GROUP
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