A plethora of notes streaming from a universal consciousness down through the body and out to the souls of those who thirst for the power of the music. Azar blowin’ Trane is definitely one of “My Favorite Things”. There are many attempts to pay homage to masters that have musically inhabited the earth before us. Many are quite honorable, some remain to be attempts, but few create a sound that can almost transport you to a time and place where the creation originated.
Tonight is a tribute to the energies and blessings that John Coltrane has and continues to bestow upon us through the gifts that he has left behind. The sound is very familiar and the temporary state of mental and spiritual bliss that the music delivers is healing and a true indication of the rich spiritual source that Trane had directly tapped into. Of course there will never be another Trane but, Azar is very proficient in his technical ability to capture many of the subtle nuances of the masterpieces that you and I are so familiar with.
Trane only recorded with one singer and that was the great
Johnny Hartman. The way he romanced a ballad with the lush reality of the smoky
lyric is absolutely marvelous. Modern day balladeer James Love and I spoke
earlier this month when he performed over where I host the weekly jazz
performances at the LAX Westin. He heard about the Coltrane/Hartman project and
since he loves and sings Johnny Hartman tunes, this could be the perfect
opportunity for something very special. Leonard Herring Jr.is the gentleman
behind the Clarion Jazz label, promoter and manager of a few of
As you know, the rhythm section for John Coltrane of Elvin Jones, Jimmy Garrison and McCoy Tyner has laid down a phenomenal foundation for the music to ascend to the heavens. Azar’s rhythm includes Fritz Wise on drums, Jeffery Littleton on bass and Nate Morgan on piano. If you have not heard Nate Morgan play then you are missing out on the extraordinary. His playing is just incredible with such vast fluidity and richness in his runs. I am sure that if McCoy were there, he would be nodding his head with the smile of approval followed by a sudden urge to get to a piano and tighten up “his” chops. This is not a race but, if it were, McCoy would be in the lead but, he would be using his periferial vision and seeing Nate right there running strong!
These cats grew up on Trane and tonight they are riding on the “A”. Leonard Herring Jr. gets up to the microphone and talks about when he and the Trane first met and how much later he proceeded to come into contact with Azar. He was the ‘Wise One” who decided to pursue the project of a recreation on John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman music and in a “Moment’s notice” there was “Acknowledgement”.
Whenever I hear the music of Coltrane I am mesmorized and bathed by the beauty of the density that captures my spirit and helps me contemplate life and communicate openly with the spirit that guides that life. There is hardly ever a time that a recreation can bring about the same intensity on the same scale. Although the time, spirits and purposes of the men may differ, there are similarities and the sound is always a welcome and warm embrace.
Dr. James Love, as he was referred to, comes on the stage to wet more than a few pairs of panties with “Autumn’s Serenade” and a lovely version of one of his personal favorites from the Hartman Collection, “You are to Beautiful’. As he left the stage he got a big hug from Leonard and I had to go backstage to give him one as well so I guess the romanticism has an effect on us all! Hopefully this will be the beginning of a beautiful blossoming project for more to enjoy. For now, keep your eyes open for the next Lawrence-Love project!
LeRoy Downs
