JJ
Joseph Jarman
36quotes
Joseph Jarman
A Free Spirit of Sound: The Life and Legacy of a Jazz Visionary
Full Name and Common Aliases
Joseph Jarman was born on September 14, 1937, in Montgomery, Alabama. He is often referred to by his first name or as "Joe" among friends and fans.
Birth and Death Dates
September 14, 1937 - June 17, 2019
Nationality and Profession(s)
American Saxophonist, Flautist, Composer, Poet, and Visual Artist
Early Life and Background
Joseph Jarman's early life was marked by a deep connection to music. Growing up in the segregated South, he was exposed to the sounds of jazz and blues through his family members, who were all musicians themselves. This exposure instilled in him a passion for creative expression that would shape his future career. After serving in the U.S. Army, Jarman moved to Chicago, where he became immersed in the city's vibrant music scene.
Major Accomplishments
Jarman's professional career spanned over five decades and included numerous collaborations with notable figures such as Anthony Braxton, Roscoe Mitchell, and Muhal Richard Abrams. He was a founding member of the influential avant-garde jazz ensemble The Art Ensemble of Chicago, which revolutionized the music world with their boundary-pushing sound. Jarman's contributions to this group earned him critical acclaim and recognition within the jazz community.
Notable Works or Actions
Jarman's artistic output extended beyond music, as he was a skilled poet and visual artist. He released several albums featuring his poetry and artwork, including The Lion (1971) and Ablamooz (1983). His creative endeavors often explored themes of social justice, spirituality, and the African diaspora.
Impact and Legacy
Joseph Jarman's impact on jazz and avant-garde music cannot be overstated. As a member of The Art Ensemble of Chicago, he helped shape the sound of free jazz in the 1960s and '70s. His innovative approach to composition and improvisation inspired countless musicians to push the boundaries of their craft. Through his artwork and poetry, Jarman also brought attention to important social issues and provided a platform for marginalized voices.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Joseph Jarman's legacy extends beyond his music and artwork. He was a true original – a free spirit who refused to be confined by genre or convention. His commitment to creative expression, coupled with his unwavering dedication to social justice, has made him a beloved figure within the jazz community. As an artist, he continues to inspire new generations of musicians, writers, and visual artists to explore the possibilities of their craft.
In the words of Jarman himself: "The sound of freedom is like no other – it's like the wind in your hair, or the sun on your face." This sentiment captures the essence of his artistic vision and the enduring impact he has had on the world of jazz and beyond.
Quotes by Joseph Jarman
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To be here drinking a Coke can influence the process of musical creation as much as anything.
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In our eyes, heroes, gods, masters do not exist. We love and respect every musician, whether from the past, the future, or... someone who doesn't yet exist... just as much as birdsong interests us.
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People doing the kind of sound research that I’m interested in still have a difficult time.
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The Vision Festival was packed every night, always has been for the four years it’s been happening.
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It took me a long time to reach the decision to retire, actually, from the Art Ensemble.
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So okay, I accepted, and I realized while working for that concert that I’d been missing something very important and vital to me, and that something was music.
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I’ve been informed by both sides, jazz, western music, Asian music, African music, all sides, because I’ve been interested in the sound of the universe, and that sound is without limit.
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In fact, since no one’s been interested in my work, I took the responsibility recently to invest in my own work, so I’m producing a concert that was done at the Vision Festival in May.
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