Coltrane Quote by Lee Konitz
“I hear many extra-musical things somehow in Coltrane.”
About This Quote
Music can evoke non‑musical ideas or emotions, allowing listeners to perceive extra‑musical narratives within improvisation.
In simple terms: Music can suggest ideas beyond sound.
Key Takeaway
Sound can convey abstract concepts.
Themes
music
improvisation
perception
meaning
Mood
introspective
curious
Type
artistic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- jazz improvisation sessions
- film scoring
- music therapy
Key Concepts
synesthetic perception
Practical Applications
- use music to prompt creative brainstorming
Questions to Reflect On
- What non‑musical ideas does a piece evoke for you?
- How does personal experience shape musical interpretation?
A Different Perspective
Interpretations are highly subjective; not all listeners perceive extra‑musical content.
![“You know, John Coltrane has been sort of a god to me. Seems like, in a way, he didn't get the inspiration out of other musicians. He had it. When you hear a cat do a thing like that, you got to go along with him. I think I heard Coltrane before I really got close to Miles [Davis]. Miles had a…” quote by Wes Montgomery](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/37b/wes-montgomery-34602_cat_you-know-john-coltrane-has-been-sort-of_2969350.jpg)
![“John [Coltrane] was like a visitor to this planet. He came in peace and he left in peace; but during his time here, he kept trying to reach new levels of awareness, of peace, of spirituality. That's why I regard the music he played as spiritual music -- John's way of getting closer and closer to…” quote by Albert Ayler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0ad/albert-ayler-43036_awareness_john-coltrane-was-like-a-visitor-to-this_12716.jpg)
![“In short, [Coltrane's] tone is beautiful because it is functional. In other words, it is always involved in saying something. You can't separate the means that a man uses to say something from what he ultimately says. Technique is not separated from its content in a great artist.” quote by Cecil Taylor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/279/cecil-taylor-20434_art_in-short-coltrane-s-tone-is-beautiful-be_358656.jpg)
