Innovative Figure in the Evolution of Modern Jazz, George Russell Dies at 86

Composer, theoretician, pianist George Russell passed away this evening, July 27, 2009 at approximately 9:10 pm from complications due to Alzheimer’s.

George Russell was a hugely influential, innovative figure in the evolution of modern jazz, the music's only major theorist, one of its most profound composers, and a trail blazer whose ideas have transformed and inspired some of the greatest musicians of our time.

For full article at Jazz.com http://tinyurl.com/mhbyxz

George Russell's book, The Lydian Chromatic Concept of Tonal Organization, first published in 1953, was the first theoretical contribution to come from jazz, and was responsible for introducing modal improvisation which resulted in the seminal recording of Miles Davis' "Kind of Blue." Since it's publication, there have been scores of books on the market which have "borrowed" bits of the Concept's information, but there is only one original.

"[The Concept] was the great path-breaker for Miles Davis and John Coltrane's modality."
- Joachim Berendt, The Jazz Book.

Politics and All that Jazz...

It's been a long time coming... but finally we not only have an historic moment in our political landscape but the promise of good music too!

I have to admit it feels good to know that our President-Elect enjoys the music of John Coltrane and Miles Davis. He's listening to that on his iPod. And I'm glad that he keeps an open mind to listen to other types of music too because that speaks well of how he will govern our nation.
Listening with the ability to hear.

Not to mention some of his other favorites are old-school soul (Stevie Wonder and Earth, Wind and Fire ), and classical (Yo-Yo Ma). Oh yeah, and he thinks we should have arts in the schools.

Sounds like he might be a political jazz cat. Louis, Duke, Bird, Count, Mingus, Miles, Coltrane, Betty, Shirley, Billie, and the rest are smiling now. Let the swinging and improv begin!