Adrian Younge Presents Vinyl's Soulful Void: Jazz Meets Philosophy
How I learned that the silence in vinyl is not just an auditory space, but a powerful symbol of connection
Adrian Younge Presents Vinyl's Soulful Void: Jazz Meets Philosophy - AI Image by Author (Bing).
The void, in philosophy, evokes ideas of absence, potential, and possibility, offering a space to explore and contemplate. This concept finds a fascinating counterpart in the experience of listening to vinyl, where the silence between tracks becomes significant. Instead of the frantic search for content typical of online streaming, vinyl invites me on a more contemplative and uninterrupted journey. It's at the heart of this journey that I discover the beauty of empty spaces. Vinyl, with its intricate curved lines, creates a visual nest, a refuge for the music etched on its surface.
The void between tracks is not an interruption, but a precious interval, a moment of transition that prepares the listener for the next musical movement. It's in these spaces that the true magic of the vinyl format resides. The unique arrangement of vinyl lines draws concentric circles, creating a visual symmetry that captures my gaze. This intrinsic design is not only aesthetically appealing but also symbolizes the continuity and connection between tracks. It's as if each track naturally flows into the other, with the void acting as a bridge, inviting me to reflect on the beauty of music and its medium of presentation.
The vinyl listening experience
The vinyl listening experience thus becomes a multisensory adventure. As the music unfolds through my ears, my eyes can follow the lines of the vinyl, appreciating its texture and depth. The visible void adds a tactile dimension, emphasizing the physicality and materiality of the musical experience, in stark contrast to the intangibility of digital streaming. The silence in vinyl is not just an auditory space but becomes a powerful symbol of connection. It's an invitation to slow down, immerse myself in the music, and appreciate the care and craftsmanship behind the album's creation. This auditory and visual interval allows me to reflect, explore my thoughts, and establish a deeper connection with the art.
The tangible nature of vinyl further emphasizes this connection. Holding the disc in my hands, I can appreciate its physicality and the mastery behind its creation. The visible void becomes a reminder of the presence of silence, an essential element of the overall musical experience. It's in this silence that the power to amplify the impact of music resides, giving space to my emotions and reflections.
"The breakbeat of a song on vinyl shows up as an empty space. So sometimes if you look at the vinyl, you can see where the brakes or the pauses or most of the silences in the racket and most of the silences usually where you'll find something interesting."
(Ali Shaheed Muhammad)
Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Adrian Younge
The musical creations of Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Adrian Younge recently captivated my senses, a delightful discovery facilitated by the turntable bestowed upon me as a paternal birthday offering. I bought “Something About April II”: my first vinyl ever!
Something About April II | Adrian Younge | Linear Labs
Muhammad, a 1970 Brooklyn native, embodies versatility as a DJ, producer, rapper, and bassist, perhaps most renowned for his contributions to A Tribe Called Quest. His California-born counterpart, Younge, emerged in 1978 and has since distinguished himself as a composer, arranger, and music producer of considerable talent.
Their joint artistic ventures have borne remarkable fruit, encompassing the aural landscape for the Marvel-inspired Luke Cage series and the harmonious opus known as The Midnight Hour. The year 2017 saw them establish Jazz Is Dead, an ironically monikered label that breathes vitality into a genre many had prematurely eulogized. This musical alliance has engendered a sound trip of exceptional quality, deftly interweaving an array of stylistic influences into a seamless auditory experience.
Jazz and Taoism
Through years of jazz listening, I've realized this genre, like the blues, isn't about teaching how to play, but how to react. This insight echoes the Taoist concept of Wu Wei, or "effortless action."
Observing great jazz performances, I'm struck by the musicians' spontaneous responses to each other and the moment. They're not just following a strict plan, but reacting organically to the music's flow. This approach mirrors Wu Wei's emphasis on harmonious action.
And…so?
Thus, the void in philosophy and the silence in vinyl are not simple absences, but rather spaces to explore and appreciate. By immersing myself in jazz, I'm learning to approach life with similar flexibility. I'm cultivating a relaxed awareness where responses arise naturally from understanding the present, not from rigid preconceptions.
Pauses are precious intervals that allow me to reflect, connect with art, and discover the true essence of music. The void and silence, both in philosophy and in listening to vinyl and in all the ways they manifest to me, invite me to slow down, explore possibilities, and establish a deeper connection with music and myself. It's in these moments of calm that I can find a wealth of emotions and contemplation.
"We make a vessel from a lump of clay; / It is the empty space within that makes it useful. / We make doors and windows for a room; / But it is these empty spaces that make the room livable. / Thus, while the tangible has advantages, / It is the intangible that makes it useful."
(Tao Te Ching)
“Sandrine” - “Something About April II” - Adrian Younge
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