Jazz (We Got The...)

I think it's especially true when the weather is bad. More often rain than snow, but even in snow... jazz is just the most appropriate thing for the moment. For many moments in my life, moreso as time goes on, the world around me is developing a jazz soundtrack. I guess I have my brother to thank for this. Al, at some point around the age of 11 or 12, switched up his musical taste like a finger being snapped...switching from horrible La Bouche and Fun Factory cds for John Coltrane, McCoy Tyner, and Sir Roland Hannah. His taste has since expanded throughout the world of jazz and somewhat beyond, manifesting itself in a love for everything from Bill Evans to some early 90s r&b, but still focused on amazing jazz from the 1950s and 1960s, with some modern stuff thrown in.

I've learned mostly from him, but also, over time, through my own exploration of the genre. As many of the readers know, I'm obsessed with music, and my taste is all over the place: Wu-Tang to Wilco, etc etc. I've developed my selection of favorite jazz artists: Coltrane, Herbie Hancock, Roy Hargrove, Miles Davis, and several others. But today, nursing a slight hangover and getting a little work that I had brought home from my job done, I just needed a little jazz. A couple Hargrove/rH Factor tracks, a Modern Jazz Quartet classic, and the list continues.

Maybe this comes with age. Maybe I'm on a path to one day being that older guy with his jazz records, lecturing his kid's friends about the genius of a record and how all new music is crap. I hope that's not me, but I wouldn't mind too much. So, in reality, I just want to say, much respect to the masters.


In Other Jazz-Related News
My brother Alex, and the Alex Collins Quintet...including several rising legends of the modern jazz scene, will be performing at the Puffin Cultural Forum in Teaneck, NJ on March 18 at 8pm. The event is already selling out, so if you want tickets, just shout at this here dude via the comments or a quick email to justinmcollins3@hotmail.com. Holla atcha boy, and prepare to see a future king. That's about it.
- JC

“My style is impetuous, my defense is impregnable and I’m just ferocious. I want your heart. I want to eat your children. Praise be to Allah.”
- Mike Tyson