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Quote by John Coltrane

“Working with Monk is like falling down a dark elevator shaft.”

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John Coltrane was an American jazz saxophonist and composer known for his unique musical style and significant contributions to jazz. His career spanned the mid-20th century, profoundly influencing later jazz musicians. more

“Working with Monk brought me close to a musical architect of the highest order. I felt I learned from him in every way--through the senses, theoretically, technically. I would talk to Monk about musical problems, and he would sit at the piano and show me the answers just by playing them. I could watch him play and find out the things I wanted to know. Also, I could see a lot of things that I didn't know about at all.”

Knows Way Play Shows Problem Wanted Order Felt Answers Watches Highest Jazz Musical Senses Piano Architect Show Me Monk

Author:John Coltrane

“I think I was first awakened to musical exploration by Dizzy Gillespie and Bird. It was through their work that I began to learn about musical structures and the more theoretical aspects of music.”

Thinking Firsts Bird Aspect Structure Musical Exploration Theoretical Awakened Dizzy

Author:John Coltrane

“When you are playing with someone who really has something to say, even though they may be otherwise quite different in style, there’s one thing that remains constant. And that is the tension of the experience, that electricity, that kind of feeling that is a lift sort of feeling. No matter where it happens, you know when that feeling comes upon you, and it makes you feel happy.”

Knows Feels Kind May Different Matter Feelings Happens One Thing Style Remains Constant Lifts Tension Electricity

Author:John Coltrane

“Change is inevitable in music - things change.”

Inevitable Things Change Change Is Inevitable Inevitable Change

Author:John Coltrane

“There are so many things to be considered in making music. The whole question of life itself... I know that I want to produce beautiful music, music that does things to people that they need.”

People Knows Want Needs Doe Whole Beautiful Produce Beautiful Music

Author:John Coltrane

“There is never any end... There are always new sounds to imagine; new feelings to get at. And always, there is the need to keep purifying these feelings and sounds so that we can really see what we've discovered in its pure state.”

Needs Ends States Feelings Sound Imagine Pure Purifying New Feelings

Author:John Coltrane

“I've always felt that even though a man was not a Christian, he still has to know the truth some way or another. Or if he was a Christian, he could know the truth. The truth itself doesn't have any name on it to me. And each man has to find this for himself, I think.”

Ifs Thinking Knows Men Way Stills Christian Names Felt

Author:John Coltrane

“I want to be a force for real good. In other words, I know there are bad forces. You know, I know that there are forces out here that bring suffering to others and misery to the world, but I want to be the opposite force. I want to be the force which is truly for good.”

Knows World Want Real Suffering Force Opposites Misery

Author:John Coltrane

“The real risk is not changing. I have to feel that I'm after something. If I make money, fine. But I'd rather be striving. It's the striving, man, it's that I want.”

Ifs Men Want Feels Real Risk Fine Strive Making Money

Author:John Coltrane

“During the year 1957, I experienced, by the grace of God, a spiritual awakening which was to lead me to a richer, fuller, more productive life. At that time, in gratitude, I humbly asked to be given the means and privilege to make others happy through music. I feel this has been granted through His grace. ALL PRAISE TO GOD.”

Quote by John Coltrane

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