We are exploring the spirituals and spirituality in Jazz. The spirituals are African American religious folk songs that grew out of slavery experiences and the introduction of Christianity to enslaved blacks. These songs reflect both the suffering and liberation of African Americans in the new world. Spirituality is an individual practice concerned with the human spirit. It is the process of understanding and seeking a sense of peace and purpose and developing ideas around the meaning of life and the connection with others. Jazz musicians have expressed both these forms and ideas in their music. We will hear music from John Coltrane, Alice Coltrane, Pharoah Sanders, Kamasi Washington, Robert Glasper and others.
The Houston Jazz Spotlight is a labor of love by Visual Artist, Jazz Historian, and DJ, Tierney L. Malone.