[Jazz, Artistic Practice and Spirituality]
Introduction
Music has long been recognised as a powerful medium of expression, capable of evoking deep emotions and transcending cultural and temporal boundaries. Jazz has become a genre played by many musicians that display a profound expression of cultural identity, personal emotion, and, significantly, spirituality; spirituality that encompasses a broad spectrum of experiences and beliefs; that connect individuals to something greater than themselves, whether it be a higher power, the universe, or their own inner depths.
Emerging in the early 20th century within African American communities, jazz has grown into a global phenomenon, celebrated for its improvisational nature and emotional depth. The relationship between spirituality and music in the context of jazz is especially rich, offering insights into how artistic practice can serve as a conduit for spiritual exploration and expression.
History Of Jazz
The roots of jazz are deeply intertwined with African American traditions, which include elements of gospel and blues. These genres were born out of the African American experience, often touching on themes of suffering, resilience, hope, and a longing for freedom, earning the name ‘music of resilience’ (2022) or ‘movement art’ (p. 40, 2016). These elements of spiritual expression were central to the music of enslaved Africans in America, serving both as a means of coping with hardship and as a tool for emancipation.
The blues, a precursor to jazz, was characterised by its expressive vocals and melancholic melodies. It was a direct reflection of the African American experience, often dealing with themes of love, loss, and hardship. Gospel music, with its roots in black churches, emphasised communal participation and spiritual enrichment. These musical traditions laid the groundwork for the development of jazz, infusing it with a deep sense of spirituality and emotional resonance.
As jazz evolved, it retained these spiritual elements. The improvisational aspect of jazz, which allows musicians to express their innermost thoughts and feelings spontaneously, can be seen as a form of spiritual practice. This improvisation is akin to a spiritual journey, where the musician navigates through uncharted territories of creativity and emotion, often resulting in moments of profound insight and connection.
Jazz and Spirituality
Jazz and spirituality intertwine profoundly, revealing a rich tapestry of cultural, emotional, and philosophical connections. Many jazz artists carry these connections to their artistic practices, and deep connection to one’s instrument can help guide musicians during improvisation to express themselves freely in a state of flow.
Musicians infuse their performances with spiritual significance, transforming music into a medium for transcendent experiences, communal solidarity, and personal reflection. By examining the symbiotic relationship between jazz and spirituality, we uncover the genre’s ability to evoke profound human emotions and connect listeners to broader metaphysical concepts. Two artists whose spirituality is especially interwoven are Alice Coltrane and Pharoah Sanders.
Alice Coltrane’s legacy is often obscured by the shadow of her iconic husband, John Coltrane, however the depths of spirituality that Alice came to know are next to none. Religion played an enormous role in both her life and work ‘…the importance of spirituality of the individual being and diversity in praising God, would permeate her life and music until her death'(p. 76, 2010). After the death of her soul mate, she devoted much of her time to isolation, studying eastern philosophies under Hindu Yogis and reading scriptures. Themes of grief, growth and love ooze out of her work from this period, especially on records like ‘Ptah, the El Daoud’ or ‘Journey In Satchidananda’.
‘Kirtan: Turiya Sings’ is a collection of nine tracks comprised of Coltrane singing in Sanskrit whilst a Wurlitzer organ. Upon first listen, it quite quickly becomes clear that this is music with a higher purpose. Coltrane’s spectacular vocals are consistently the high points of this record, speaking volumes as this was her first release with her vocal takes the fore. This becomes especially evident in tracks like “Krishna Krishna” and “Hara Siva,” where her voice carries a meditative, almost transcendent quality that elevates the spiritual essence of the album. The minimalist arrangement, centered around the Wurlitzer organ, creates a serene backdrop that allows Coltrane’s voice to shine and convey a sense of devotion and peace. This album not only showcases her vocal prowess but also her deep spiritual commitment.
Pharoah Sanders is renowned for his meditative offerings to free jazz, especially in his 1977 album ‘Pharoah’ and his contributions to the 2021 project ‘Promises’. Sanders has also become a master of timbre and will go down as one of the most guttural saxophonists in all of jazz, with works like ‘You’ve Got To Have Freedom’, ‘Black Unity,’ and ‘The Creator Has a Master Plan’ showcasing his deep spiritual and musical intensity thanks to his multiphonic technique. His work embodies a deep sense of spiritual quest and the pursuit of transcendence through music.
Artist Practice, Improvisation and Healing
Many jazz musicians view their art as a form of spiritual practice. The act of improvisation can be seen as a meditative process that requires deep concentration, presence, and a connection to something greater than oneself. Musicians often describe moments of transcendence while playing, where they feel a sense of unity with their fellow musicians and the audience. This state, sometimes referred to as being “in the zone” or experiencing “flow,” is akin to the spiritual experiences described in various religious traditions, ‘there is a sense of something bigger than the musicians that is outside of them, but that they can access.'(2023).
Andre 3000 followed in the footsteps of spiritual jazz with his new album ‘New Blue Sun’ and is often seen in public parks or laundromats practicing his flute. In an interview, Andre 3000 described how stepping improvisation was both a way of seeking inner peace and facing the expectations of changing styles drastically after a long career in hip-hop. This shift allowed him to be confident in his expression once he reached a state of flow, ultimately improving his mental well-being and creating a deeper connection to himself and the other musicians who were part of the process. His public performances demonstrate how spirituality and artistic practice can intersect in daily life, creating opportunities for personal growth and communal connection.
The improvisational nature of jazz makes it particularly effective in therapeutic settings, as it allows for flexibility and adaptability in addressing individual needs. It can provide a sense of comfort and solace, offering an emotional outlet for those dealing with trauma or grief. The expressive and cathartic qualities of jazz make it a powerful medium for processing complex emotions and finding inner peace. This therapeutic potential highlights the deep connection between jazz, spirituality, and healing. Jazz has also been used as a tool for healing, both physically and emotionally. Music therapy, which often incorporates jazz elements, has been shown to reduce stress, alleviate pain, and improve overall well-being.
Conclusion
The relationship between spirituality and jazz in artistic practice is profound and multifaceted. Jazz, with its roots in African American spiritual traditions, has always been more than just a musical form; it is a means of exploring and expressing the deepest aspects of the human condition. Through its improvisational nature, jazz allows musicians to engage in a form of musical transcendence, where they can enter states of flow and connect with the collective unconscious.
The works of iconic jazz musicians like Alice Coltrane and Pharaoh Sanders exemplify how jazz can serve as a medium for spiritual exploration and expression. Contemporary artists, like Andre 3000, continue to draw on these traditions, incorporating elements of spirituality into their performances and compositions. Jazz festivals and communal performances further highlight the genre’s ability to foster spiritual communion and collective celebration.
In conclusion, jazz is a powerful medium for spiritual expression, offering a unique pathway for individuals to connect with themselves, each other, and the transcendent. As the genre continues to evolve, its spiritual essence remains a vital and enduring aspect, reflecting the timeless and universal quest for meaning and connection through music.
References
https://www.npr.org/2023/11/14/1212661071/andre-3000-album
Brown L. (2010). John Coltrane and Black America’s Quest for Freedom: Spirituality and the Music. United States: Oxford University Press, USA.
Edgar W. (2022). A Supreme Love: The Music of Jazz and the Hope of the Gospel. United Kingdom: InterVarsity Press.
Rabaka R. (2016). Civil Rights Music: The Soundtracks of the Civil Rights Movement. United States: Lexington Books.
Reynolds, N. (2023). Charting the Spiritual Experience in Jazz. Religions. 14. 842. https://doi.org/10.3390/rel14070842