“ANTI-JAZZ?” — Coltrane & Dolphy Defy Critics (1961 German TV Broadcast)

 


From Bret "Jazz Video Guy" Primack.

In 1961, DownBeat magazine branded John Coltrane and Eric Dolphy’s music as “anti-jazz”—a term that sparked outrage, debate, and ultimately transformation within the jazz community. This rare German TV broadcast from November 4, 1961, filmed in Baden-Baden for Jazz gehört und gesehen (“Jazz Heard and Seen”), captures the full power of Coltrane’s classic quartet—McCoy Tyner, Reggie Workman, and Elvin Jones—joined by the singular genius of Eric Dolphy on alto sax, bass clarinet, and flute. Coltrane and Dolphy responded to their critics not with words, but with music that transcended boundaries and redefined the art form. High-quality sound. Studio intimacy. Historical fire. This is not anti-jazz. This is a revolution in real time. 🎥 Recorded: Nov. 4, 1961 📍 Location: Baden-Baden, West Germany 📺 Program: Jazz gehört und gesehen (Süddeutscher Rundfunk) 🕊️ “We’re just trying to express ourselves.” — John Coltrane


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