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Danen Jobe

Jazz Lover and Educator from Colorado Springs

About Me

I grew up largely in Joplin, Missouri, tornado capital of the US, and was always a music lover. I started listening to jazz in my late teens, about thirty four years ago. It started simple, like I'm sure it does for many, with John Coltrane's “My Favorite Things” and Miles Davis' “Kind of Blue”. Then I had to have everything by Coltrane and Miles. Then I discovered all of these other musicians they played with, and that they had great albums, and other collaborations, and it expanded until I had a very large collection by my early thirties that spanned everything Duke Ellington to Cecil Taylor to more modern artists. In the meantime, I went through college, became an English professor, and eventually moved up to administration. In the midst of this, I've never lost my passion for jazz, and I love to share with others and discover new acts. Jazz is in a renewal right now, with more great music per release than its had in decades, and more moving in. It's a great time to write about jazz.

My Jazz Story

I love jazz because. I can move to it, and it can move me. It's such an American original, yet it can be played by anyone around the world. I don't like to over define it just let if play. I met Andrew Hill while working on a fictional story about him. He gave permission to write it and was so supportive. Sadly, he died before I could show him the story. The first jazz record I bought was John Coltrane's "My Favorite Things". I became obsessed with it, which led to a lifetime love of Trane. My advice to new listeners is to pay attention to ALL the musicians on an album. You will discover so much good stuff by following the ones you love.