John Lyden

Your Personal Calendar
✓ Receives Newsletter

---

Upload Single or Recurring Event
Upload Several Events At Once

Upload photos

I love jazz because it allows freedom. Because it’s based on an American tradition that goes back to the Blues and beyond. I love Jazz because of the demands it makes on my musicianship and the dedication it requires. I was first exposed to jazz in college by a friend who was a jazz drummer that worshiped Dave Weckyl. I listened to a lot of Chick Corea and fell in love with the virtuosity of the Akoustik and Elektrik Band especially the work of John Patitucci. I met Wallace Roney at Sweet Basil, Jim Hall at the Village Vanguard and Ravi Coltrane at the Jazz Standard. They were all friendly and gracious and I still have my picture with Ravi Coltrane! The best show I ever attended was Roy Haynes at the Village Vanguard. It was the second set on a Sunday night and there must have only been about ten or twelve people there. We all gathered around the stage and it was like Mr. Haynes was playing just for me! The first jazz record I bought was Eternal Child by Chick Corea. My advice to new listeners Buy Kind of Blue and Oscar Peterson’s West Side Story and an essential Charlie Parker collection. Don’t try Coltrane alone until you’ve digested those albums, then get A Love Supreme. Or whatever else you have in mind. Immerse yourself in the players of your instrument, and not just the ones that play in your style. You can get a lot of ideas from all styles of jazz.

Add Your House Concert Story

Add Your Favorite Places to See Jazz

---

STAFF DIRECTORY

Add Your Theme Song

Add Your Spotify Playlist