Member-only story

Coltrane: The Story of Sound

Brett Simmons

·5.9k Followers· Follow

Published in Coltrane: The Story Of A Sound (PICADOR)

4 min read · 1 month before

156 View Claps

18 Respond

Save

Listen

By Ben Ratliff

John Coltrane was one of the most important and influential jazz musicians of the 20th century. His groundbreaking work on the saxophone and his innovative approach to composition and improvisation pushed the boundaries of jazz and left a lasting legacy on the music world.

Coltrane: The Story of a Sound (PICADOR)

by Ben Ratliff

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2072 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	275 pages

In Coltrane: The Story of Sound, acclaimed music critic Ben Ratliff paints a vivid portrait of the life and work of this legendary figure. The book draws on extensive research, including interviews with Coltrane's family, friends, and fellow musicians, to provide a deeply personal and nuanced account of the artist's journey.

Ratliff explores the many facets of Coltrane's artistry, from his early influences to his groundbreaking work with the Miles Davis Quintet to his later experimental period. He delves into Coltrane's unique sound, his technical innovations, and his spiritual and philosophical influences.

The book also traces the personal and social context of Coltrane's life, from his childhood in North Carolina to his struggles with addiction and his eventual triumph over adversity. Ratliff paints a complex and compassionate portrait of a man who was both a musical genius and a deeply flawed human being.

Coltrane: The Story of Sound is a must-read for anyone interested in jazz music, American history, or the life of a true artistic innovator. It is a beautifully written and deeply insightful work that will appeal to both scholars and general readers alike.

Praise for Coltrane: The Story of Sound

"A masterpiece of music biography. Ratliff's deep understanding of Coltrane's music and his ability to convey its essence in words is simply breathtaking." – The New York Times

"A definitive and deeply moving portrait of one of the most important figures in jazz history. Ratliff's writing is both lyrical and incisive, and his insights into Coltrane's life and work are profound." – The Guardian

"A must-read for anyone who loves jazz or wants to understand the life and work of one of its greatest masters." – The Wall Street Journal