Archie Shepp and John Coltrane: A Bond Beyond Mentorship

 

From Bret "Jazz Video Guy" Primack.

Archie Shepp’s relationship with John Coltrane was one of the most significant mentor-protégé bonds in jazz history, marked by genuine artistic kinship and Coltrane’s characteristic generosity toward younger musicians. Their relationship went beyond professional assistance. Shepp has spoken about how Coltrane took time to listen to his music, to encourage his vision, and to validate his artistic direction at a time when many critics and traditionalists were hostile to the new avant-garde movement. For a young Black musician trying to forge a path that combined musical innovation with political consciousness, Coltrane’s blessing meant everything. Shepp’s playing was more overtly political and aggressive than Coltrane’s spiritual searching, yet Coltrane recognized they were part of the same larger movement toward freedom in music and society. When Coltrane died in 1967, Shepp was devastated and later recorded several tributes to his mentor, including pieces that directly addressed the loss. Coltrane changed my life. My book shows how he might change yours. Check it out: http://tinyurl.com/coltranebook