How Did Charlie Parker Influence John Coltrane
“A Love Supreme” is touted as a testament to John Coltrane’s love for God. The brash wailing of his saxophone exemplifies the intensity of trances observed in church. The four-note motif repeated throughout the song is as recognizable to the jazz world as Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony’s “da-da-da-DUM” is to the classical world. It is a supreme love for Coltrane’s biggest influence: his creator. Born and raised in the Southeast during the height of the segregation era, Coltrane sought comfort and unity in his local church. He expressed his love for the church by taking up clarinet for the community band. Coltrane shifted his interests towards jazz in high school thanks to the musicality of Lester Young and Johnny Hodges. It wasn’t until he heard
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Coltrane had an obsession with the number three, believing it held religious significance. His subsequent invention of “Coltrane Changes”, the substitution of three chords in one, demonstrated his religious preoccupations with jazz.
Coltrane further progressed his jazz development by teaming with trumpeter Miles Davis. Together, they experimented in modal jazz, which allowed them more freedom in the exploration of chords, and allowed Coltrane to make use of his “Coltrane Changes”. It was at this time the saxophonist dove further into the jazz scene, and stumbled further away from God.
Coltrane’s addiction to heroin and alcoholism plagued much of the first half of his career. Not only did it affect his relationship with the divine, it lost him his job with Davis. After being kicked out of the group, Coltrane sought refuge in his mother’s home, withdrawing from heroin and alcohol cold turkey. The resulting anguish rendered the emotionally soothing power of his playing useless. During his darkest hour, Coltrane experienced an overwhelming spiritual epiphany so profound that it influenced him for the rest of his life. He recalled the connection to God he held earlier in his life, and vowed to dedicate his life and his music towards the
Coltrane had an obsession with the number three, believing it held religious significance. His subsequent invention of “Coltrane Changes”, the substitution of three chords in one, demonstrated his religious preoccupations with jazz.
Coltrane further progressed his jazz development by teaming with trumpeter Miles Davis. Together, they experimented in modal jazz, which allowed them more freedom in the exploration of chords, and allowed Coltrane to make use of his “Coltrane Changes”. It was at this time the saxophonist dove further into the jazz scene, and stumbled further away from God.
Coltrane’s addiction to heroin and alcoholism plagued much of the first half of his career. Not only did it affect his relationship with the divine, it lost him his job with Davis. After being kicked out of the group, Coltrane sought refuge in his mother’s home, withdrawing from heroin and alcohol cold turkey. The resulting anguish rendered the emotionally soothing power of his playing useless. During his darkest hour, Coltrane experienced an overwhelming spiritual epiphany so profound that it influenced him for the rest of his life. He recalled the connection to God he held earlier in his life, and vowed to dedicate his life and his music towards the