Hi Lewis. The new biography of Dolphy talks of Trane spending time with Eric in his famous practice shed that Eric’s parents built in their back yard for him, starting it seems when Trane was in LA with Hodges. I had not thought about how their musical friendship started a good bit before Dolphy gets to NYC.
Good point. I have the book but haven't looked at it much yet--although I am worried by some definite sloppiness in the parts relevant to Coltrane. I have added a paragraph on Dolphy to the essay. Give me a shout next time you're on the upper West Side (my wife and I are on West 92nd). THANK YOU MARTY
Private practice, particularly during their apprentice years, is a revelatory aspect of how jazz musicians develop their singular sounds. Yet Coltrane was one of the few who chose not to do these sessions entirely by himself.
Yes, I hope my article makes it clear that this was not universal, at least not to the extent that Coltrane did it, even reaching out to strangers! I know that for myself, I don't like to have someone else around when I'm trying something over and over. THANK YOU DAVID
Really loved this article, Mr. Porter. Of course, I'm prejudiced, being a Philly metro jazz fan. I've heard both Benny & Jimmy in concert locally, and heard them both speak at a Clifford Brown symposium. I'm friends with someone who was very close to Cousin Mary Alexander.
I would have liked to attend more of the symposium, but work & health issues only allowed me to get into the city for that roundtable discussion. So I probably wasn't around when you spoke. I did manage to hear Lou Donaldson play across the street.
At the roundtable, either Jimmy or Lou, I don't remember which one, had a great Miles Davis quote: When he heard Clifford Brown play at a jam session, Miles said: "I'm gonna get me a hammer and break that MFER's fingers". Did you hear that quote?
Wow great piece. I didn’t know Kenny Hagood was married to Alice Coltrane. Terry Gibbs speaks of introducing Alice McCleod to John Coltrane. Kenny Hagood sang on Darn that Dream on some
of the issues of Birth of the Cool. Beautiful singing, ensemble work and Miles’ solo
All good points. Yes, Terry hired a number of terrific Detroit women pianists and Alice was his pianist when they performed on the same bill as Coltrane in NYC, July 1963. THANK YOU DAVID
As a long-practicing Buddhist I am always very drawn to Trane’s spiritual side and spiritual practice. Within Buddhism we have the notion of “Sangha” — which loosely translates to “our spirit community”. While I know Trane was not a Buddhist per se and embraced all faiths (though did have an Eastern bent himself), I can’t help but see his seeking his “Sangha” in these practice sessions. It’s why we try to meditate and chant in groups — you CAN do it alone, but in a group you cannot help but amplify the One Connectedness of all things sentient. Put another way, the inherent collaboration of these practice sessions WAS the objective, as opposed to being attached to a specific outcome.
Very nicely put. Of course, by his own account, when Coltrane began these practice sessions in the '40s he was not aware of the existence of Buddhism, or in fact of anything outside his Christian background. But your thinking could help to explain his openness to practicing together and later to Buddhism and other views. FYI, I am working on an essay about Coltrane's spiritual beliefs but that is a long ways off from being ready. THANK YOU CHRIS
Yes, very true re his habits going back to the 40s not being formally “informed” by his study (later) of Eastern religion, including Buddhism. That said — and to reinforce your point re his later “openness” — we always say that people start on The Path long, long before they even know it! 🧘♂️
Iwas a pleasure to read more of your research on the great Coltrane family.
Thank you--please check out my ca 25 previous Coltrane essays by using the Index on the home page:
https://lewisporter.substack.com/t/coltrane
THANK YOU MYRON
Maybe you could add Big Nick Nicholas as one possible practicing buddy? Their relationship has earlier been shown by yourself.
They certainly listened to music together and Nick introduced him to some modern classical music--they probably practiced too. THANK YOU!
Hi Lewis. The new biography of Dolphy talks of Trane spending time with Eric in his famous practice shed that Eric’s parents built in their back yard for him, starting it seems when Trane was in LA with Hodges. I had not thought about how their musical friendship started a good bit before Dolphy gets to NYC.
Good point. I have the book but haven't looked at it much yet--although I am worried by some definite sloppiness in the parts relevant to Coltrane. I have added a paragraph on Dolphy to the essay. Give me a shout next time you're on the upper West Side (my wife and I are on West 92nd). THANK YOU MARTY
There is an interesting practice tape bootleg from 1963 of one of these Dolphy-Trane practice sessions.
Private practice, particularly during their apprentice years, is a revelatory aspect of how jazz musicians develop their singular sounds. Yet Coltrane was one of the few who chose not to do these sessions entirely by himself.
Yes, I hope my article makes it clear that this was not universal, at least not to the extent that Coltrane did it, even reaching out to strangers! I know that for myself, I don't like to have someone else around when I'm trying something over and over. THANK YOU DAVID
It reminds me of the fact that Marvin Gaye was a jogging fan, and he regularly called on Smokey Robinson to go with him.
That's a fun comparison--THANKS
Really loved this article, Mr. Porter. Of course, I'm prejudiced, being a Philly metro jazz fan. I've heard both Benny & Jimmy in concert locally, and heard them both speak at a Clifford Brown symposium. I'm friends with someone who was very close to Cousin Mary Alexander.
You might have seen me speak at that Brown symposium as well. That's great that you're in touch with Mary's friend. THANK YOU DAN!
I would have liked to attend more of the symposium, but work & health issues only allowed me to get into the city for that roundtable discussion. So I probably wasn't around when you spoke. I did manage to hear Lou Donaldson play across the street.
At the roundtable, either Jimmy or Lou, I don't remember which one, had a great Miles Davis quote: When he heard Clifford Brown play at a jam session, Miles said: "I'm gonna get me a hammer and break that MFER's fingers". Did you hear that quote?
Ha ha--I don't recall that specific comment but i was in the room then, for sure. THANK YOU DAN
Wow great piece. I didn’t know Kenny Hagood was married to Alice Coltrane. Terry Gibbs speaks of introducing Alice McCleod to John Coltrane. Kenny Hagood sang on Darn that Dream on some
of the issues of Birth of the Cool. Beautiful singing, ensemble work and Miles’ solo
All good points. Yes, Terry hired a number of terrific Detroit women pianists and Alice was his pianist when they performed on the same bill as Coltrane in NYC, July 1963. THANK YOU DAVID
Thinking In Jazz is an essential reference text, imo. Even a non-musician like me has learned a lot from it, and I return to it frequently.
Great. Glad to hear it. THANK YOU CHUCK
As a long-practicing Buddhist I am always very drawn to Trane’s spiritual side and spiritual practice. Within Buddhism we have the notion of “Sangha” — which loosely translates to “our spirit community”. While I know Trane was not a Buddhist per se and embraced all faiths (though did have an Eastern bent himself), I can’t help but see his seeking his “Sangha” in these practice sessions. It’s why we try to meditate and chant in groups — you CAN do it alone, but in a group you cannot help but amplify the One Connectedness of all things sentient. Put another way, the inherent collaboration of these practice sessions WAS the objective, as opposed to being attached to a specific outcome.
As always, fascinating piece, Lewis! Thank you!
Very nicely put. Of course, by his own account, when Coltrane began these practice sessions in the '40s he was not aware of the existence of Buddhism, or in fact of anything outside his Christian background. But your thinking could help to explain his openness to practicing together and later to Buddhism and other views. FYI, I am working on an essay about Coltrane's spiritual beliefs but that is a long ways off from being ready. THANK YOU CHRIS
Yes, very true re his habits going back to the 40s not being formally “informed” by his study (later) of Eastern religion, including Buddhism. That said — and to reinforce your point re his later “openness” — we always say that people start on The Path long, long before they even know it! 🧘♂️
Again, well put. THANK YOU CHRIS