Let The Music Oracles Speak: The January Vinyl Spin Challenge Thread

Day 05: John Coltrane
John Coltrane - Sun Ship
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I have only really gotten into Jazz over the past 8 years. Obviously I was familiar with Miles Davis and John Coltrane prior to diving in, they are basically the Beatles and Rolling Stones of Jazz but you never know if they will live up to the hype that surrounds them (they did) or which you will enjoy more. I am more of a Coltrane guy than a Davis guy. I couldn’t tell you why exactly. The best I can come up with is I prefer the avant garde work of Coltrane more than the avant garde works of Davis both great but Coltrane just speaks to me more.

I completely agree on the avant garde, but I am more of a post bop guy anyhow and am a much bigger Miles fan.
 
The oracle cards are feelin' funky tonight...

January 6: James Brown

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James Brown, the iconic Godfather of Soul, left an indelible mark on the music industry, shaping the landscape of funk and soul in the 20th century. His revolutionary rhythmic innovations and electrifying stage presence made him a trailblazer, influencing countless artists across genres. Brown's social and political activism, evident in songs like "Say It Loud – I'm Black and I'm Proud," contributed to the civil rights movement, amplifying his cultural impact. His enduring legacy extends beyond music, as James Brown remains a symbol of resilience, artistic innovation, and a powerful force for social change.

A personal favorite of mine! Let's get funky. 🤩
 
January 6: James Brown

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Bootsy Collins’ other-worldly bass work with James Brown and Parliament/Funkadelic has guaranteed him a place among the world’s funk royalty. Having hit the ground running with Brown’s backing band in the early '70s, the JBs, Bootsy developed an intuitive understanding of how to groove, and in turn established the bass guitar as an instrument that was capable of driving the band and commanding the song, rather than merely supporting it.

James Brown paved the way for so many of my favorite artists.
 
The third Musical Oracle has been chosen!

January 3: Billie Holiday

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Billie Holiday
was an iconic American jazz and blues singer born on April 7, 1915, in Philadelphia. With her emotive and distinctive voice, she became one of the most influential jazz vocalists of the 20th century, renowned for her ability to convey deep emotion and vulnerability in her performances. Despite facing personal hardships and societal challenges, Holiday's enduring legacy includes timeless classics like "Strange Fruit" and a profound impact on the evolution of jazz music. Her vocal artistry, akin to a musical chiaroscuro, navigates the highs and lows of life, painting poignant musical portraits and leaving an indelible mark on the tapestry of jazz and blues.

The “Lady Who Sings The Blues” is a popular pick over round’ these here parts on quiet evenings by the fire. Pick whatever album this Oracle Card prompts for you - whether it be Billie herself, or another artist that gives you a “Good Morning Heartache”.
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Day 3: McCoy Tyner - Extensions

Much like Holiday, Tyner performed with his whole soul and painted poignant musical portraits. One of my favorite and probably underrated jazz musicians.
 
The cards have spoken...

January 4: Iggy Pop

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Iggy Pop
catapulted to fame as the frontman of The Stooges, a pioneering rock band that played a pivotal role in the emergence of punk and proto-punk in the 1970s. His dynamic stage presence, marked by unpredictable antics and raw vocal style, became a symbol of rebellion, setting the stage for the punk movement. Iggy's versatility as an artist, from garage rock to experimental sounds, showcased his enduring influence on rock music.

His legacy is marked not only by fame but by his crucial role in shaping the rebellious essence of punk and his lasting impact on subsequent generations of musicians. Pick whatever album this Oracle Card prompts for you - whether it be Iggy, The Stooges, or another album brimming with rebellious attitude.
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Day 4: Waylon Jennings - Lonesome, On’ry & Mean

One of the most rebellious albums in spirit that I own.
 
Day 06: James Brown
De La Soul - Buhloone Mind State

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Sadly, don’t have any James Brown in my collection. I should do something about that. Instead I chose this record specifically because it features the jam “I Be Blowin’”, a track that essentially just features longtime funk saxophonist and former member of James Brown’s backing band, Maceo Parker blowing his horn over some lovely curated DLS beats.

 
The card has arrived…

January 5: John Coltrane

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John Coltrane
, a luminary in the world of jazz, holds profound importance as a transformative force in the genre. Renowned for his groundbreaking improvisational skills and avant-garde approach, Coltrane pushed the boundaries of conventional jazz, reshaping its sonic landscape. His innovative work, particularly in albums like "A Love Supreme," not only influenced countless musicians but also transcended the realms of music, leaving an indelible mark on cultural and spiritual spheres, solidifying his legacy as a trailblazer in the evolution of jazz.

I fondly remember learning about Coltrane in my college Jazz History course. Back then, I could take or leave the genre. I'm still probably on the fence half the time. However, I can confidently say that Coltrane was an absolute innovator, genius, and light years ahead of the rest! Pick whatever album this Oracle Card prompts for you - whether it be Coltrane himself, another favorite jazz record, or a masterful genre bender.
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Day 5: Neil Young - Before + After

I picked another masterful genre bender for this choice, reflecting on his career and even bending expectations on his own material deep in his career.
 
January 6: James Brown

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Beastie Boys - Paul's Boutique

Jame Brown's influence looms large on hip hop, with the track "Funky Drummer" alone being sampled over 1800 times according to whosampled.com. This album features a few Brown samples, including the above-mentioned song on "Shadrach."

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