When you think of avant-garde jazz, or at least when I think of avant-garde jazz, I think of the loud, dissonance, and chaotic music of Cecil Taylor, Ornette Coleman, and John Coltrane's later years. And while Alice certainly had music within that realm, Journey in Satchidananda is the exception. After her late husband's death, Alice converted to Hinduism and went a musical path that set her music apart from all the avant-garde jazz being released throughout the 60s and 70s.
Combining elements from third stream jazz, hindustani classical music, and post bop, Alice created a beautiful and spiritual masterpiece. With help from fellow spiritual jazz pioneer and saxophonist Pharaoh Sanders, who is the main soloist throughout the album, Alice went on to create an album that really makes you feel like you are being taken on a musical journey.
If you are able to, dim the lights, light some incense, and just relax and listen to the beautiful music on this album. Alice went on to create some of the most amazing free jazz, fusion jazz, and new age jazz until her passing in 2007, but in my opinion, Journey in Satchidananda stands as the defining album of the spiritual jazz movement.
While this was no doubt an interesting album, I could really find no real connection with it. I expected the music to somehow pull me into this "realm" or state of meditative contemplation, but for me I spent more time trying to find the realm myself, and failing. I tried to relax on every listen, but I just ended up getting bored. That said, this album made very relaxing background music on the listens where I wasn't focusing so hard on it. Maybe that was how it was intended to be listened to, but I'm not sure.
ReplyDeleteThere is most likely a lot of talent here, but I think it's buried in too many layers for me to understand. A lot of the time, I fail to see what makes regular, more straightforward jazz worthwhile to listeners, but that is only due to my lack of comprehension of it. Therefore, I think experimental jazz is even harder for me to wrap my head around, but hopefully some day I will be able to appreciate it!
That's my brutally earnest analysis (or lack thereof), and I hope I didn't come off as too harsh. I can definitely see why you like this album. Thank you for the interesting pick!
I have to admit that this album is pretty far removed from any genre I'm familiar with (I mean sure, lots of modern music can trace itself back to jazz influences but that doesn't mean I actually know jazz). As a result I don't have much reference for looking at this album critically, but here goes.
ReplyDeleteSo when you mentioned that this album had connections to experimental jazz and free jazz, I was prepared for the worst. I am very glad that this album was much more melodic and organized than I was readying myself for. Which isn't to say that it wasn't experimental. I felt that it very much was, but the experimental instrumentation of saxes and strings were backed by something more palatable. Well, for the most part. I think having something stable for the listener to keep themselves attached to is an important part of experimental music. I think Something About John Coltrane was my least favorite track because it seemed to be lacking this the most.
This album also sounded very gorgeous. I think the mixing allows one to really make out every part of whats going on musically at any given time, which is a benefit to this album especially because the instrumentation seems very proficient. I actually found that I had a better time with this album when I focused on paying attention to specific aspects rather than allowing a whole song simply wash over me.
On the level of my personal tastes, this album didn't really do a lot for me. Part of this might be due to my unfamiliarity with the jazz and international styles of the album. However, I also think that this isn't the kind of emotion that I'm attracted to when listening to an instrumental record. I tend to enjoy something darker. In fact, I don't know that I could pick out any specific emotions this album was trying to put forth. I think this was a big reason why the album didn't quite click with me.
We've talked about our love for both Alice Coltrane and Pharoah Sanders before Danny, so no doubt I'm a huge fan of this album, really glad you picked this. Spiritual is the best way to describe the record. Everything is so carefully mixed and mastered together yet there is that essence of melodic carefree-ness. It's a balance thats hard to achieve and one of the reasons why I've always loved Alice Coltrane.
ReplyDeleteJourney in Satchidananda has become a favorite of mine since you put it on that playlist you made for me a while ago. As cliche as it sounds, the track (and the album as a whole) is a journey. There are highs and lows and some confusing aspects to it but it all makes sense at the end. I love how each track does this and does it well in my opinion.
We've talked about our love for both Alice Coltrane and Pharoah Sanders before Danny, so no doubt I'm a huge fan of this album, really glad you picked this. Spiritual is the best way to describe the record. Everything is so carefully mixed and mastered together yet there is that essence of melodic carefree-ness. It's a balance thats hard to achieve and one of the reasons why I've always loved Alice Coltrane.
ReplyDeleteJourney in Satchidananda has become a favorite of mine since you put it on that playlist you made for me a while ago. As cliche as it sounds, the track (and the album as a whole) is a journey. There are highs and lows and some confusing aspects to it but it all makes sense at the end. I love how each track does this and does it well in my opinion.
A spiritual journey to be sure. I enjoyed the hell out of it. At 37 minutes, it nearly became a bit too long but ended just at the right time.
ReplyDeleteWhat else can I say? It's a pleasure to listen to incredible musicians.