Broader Meaning and Significance of Jazz to Modern American Culture

In the late 1950s and 60s, avant-garde and free jazz reflected America’s social and political changes and the loosening of strict standards of behavior

.Pharoah Sanders is often described as the "best tenor jazz saxophonist in the world and come to prominence playing with John Coltrane's band in 1965.  Although Sanders' voice developed differently from Coltrane, Sanders was strongly influenced by their collaboration together. Spiritual elements, such as the chanting in Om would later show up in many of Sanders' own works.

After several hits in the early seventies, including "The Creator has a Master Plan," Sanders' brand of revelatory and sometimes political free jazz became less popular.

Watch Pharoah Sanders in action
playing "Hum-Allah-Hum-Allah"

Compare and contrast the musical styles of the following great jazz saxophonists. Be prepared to discuss your reasoning in class.

Miles Davis

John Coltrane   

  • “A Love Supreme”

  • “Afro Blue”

  • “Naima”

  • “Summertime”

  • “Acknowledgment”

 

Pharoah Sander

Hence, the life experiences of native black Americans have been characterized by intense political, social, and cultural struggle.  Black American creative artists have themselves engaged in various forms of resistance in the historic and monumental battle for black freedom, human rights, and self-determination.  In many ways, reflecting black people’s experiences with the underside of modern American culture, beboppers and their complex and improvisational music might be considered counter-modernists, as they both embraced and challenged modernist American culture.

Adderey, Cannonball 

  • “Autumn Leaves”

  • “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy”

Gillespie, Dizzy          

  • “Salt Peanuts” (w. C. Parker)

  • “Hot House”

Blakey, Art                

  • “Blakey’ Theme”

  • “Free For All”

  • “Angel Eyes”

  • “Round ‘Bout Midnight”

Marsalis, Wynton       

  • “You Don’t Know What Love Is”

  • “What Is This Thing Called Love”

  • “Feeling of Jazz”

Puente, Tito                

  • "Salsa Cliente"

  • “Oye Como Va”

  • “Consternation”

  • “Equinox”

  • “Misterioso”

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