John Coltrane Illustrates the Mathematics of Jazz
15 hours ago
- #John Coltrane
- #Jazz Mathematics
- #Music Theory
- Physicist Stephon Alexander links Albert Einstein and John Coltrane, highlighting the 'Coltrane circle', a variation of the Circle of Fifths with Coltrane's innovations.
- Coltrane's circle, given to Yusef Lateef in 1967, is seen as a spiritual journey by Lateef and as sharing geometric principles with Einstein's quantum theory by Alexander.
- Musicians like Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane recognized the mathematics in music, with Coltrane consciously applying it to his works and discussing Einstein's ideas.
- Coltrare preferred his compositions to speak for themselves, expressing himself philosophically and mystically, drawing on science and spiritual traditions.
- Interpretations of Coltrane's circle vary, with some seeing connections to the divine or Islamic influences, as noted by Arun Ghosh and Yusef Lateef.
- Lateef, who studied closely with Coltrane, suggested 'A Love Supreme' might have been titled 'Allah Supreme' without fear of political backlash, highlighting the fusion of music, science, and religion in Coltrane's work.