“Jazz is the sound of God laughing.” Colleen Shaddox
What came to be known as “free jazz” emerged during the late 1950s and early 1960s as musicians endeavored to find a language for expressing themselves unconstrained by old paradigms. The curious listener will discover how these artists redefined the laws of jazz by pushing improvisation to new limits, capturing the full range of human emotion.
Over six weeks, we’ll engage the music of free jazz pioneers Albert Ayler, Sun Ra, Alice Coltrane, and John Coltrane, as well as modern leaders of the subgenre. We’ll explore the spiritual qualities of their repertoire by listening to albums, watching performances, and reflecting together in small and large groups. This offering aims to bring spiritual renewal to those seeking a Lenten practice, a free jazz listening club, or an avant-garde prayer group.
Session 1 “Consecrating the Elements”
Introductions, Definitions, and Method
Session 2 “Truth is Marching In”
The Reverend: Albert Ayler
Session 3 “A Strange Celestial Road”
The Mystics: Sun Ra & the Arkestra
Session 4 “Transcendence”
The Guru: Alice Coltrane
Session 5 “A Love Supreme”
The Saint: John Coltrane
Session 6 “The Newest Testament”
Modern Prophets
Meeting dates are Fridays for 6 sessions beginning on Friday, February 28th. Subsequent sessions are on March 7th, March 14th, March 21st, March 28th, and April 4th. Sessions run from 6:30 – 8pm Eastern.
Instructor: Rev. Andrew Kimble (‘19) directs Online Lifelong Learning at Boston University School of Theology while co-leading alumni engagement and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. An ordained itinerant elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Rev. Kimble appreciates the spiritual dimension of human expression.
Materials Needed: (1) Computer and internet capable of video conferencing software Zoom. (2) A music streaming service such as Apple Music, Spotify, or Bandcamp. (3) Scanned excerpts will be distributed, but for a deeper dive, you may purchase the reading list for about $125.
Cost: $60 standard or $100 with CEU credit. A $10 discount will be applied for alumni/ae of Boston University School of Theology.