The One with the Jazz🎷

Reaching a place of zen for me means clearing my thoughts of anxiety and being in the present. Sometimes, that means getting out of my head to appreciate the world around me while I go for a walk. Other times, it means creating a rhythm and flow as I clean up around my apartment, continue working on stories I’m writing, or meditate. Music can be fun to lose myself in as I feel the rhythm and beats and let myself be emotionally transported to the world that the artist creates. When it comes to reaching a place of zen, though, I prefer jazz. That most jazz songs are instrumental is soothing. But even when they have lyrics, the style of jazz vocals always brings me a sense of calm and relaxation.

That is why my go-to Spotify playlist when I need to relax or get things done is one called, “The One with the Jazz🎷.” I put this playlist together back in December 2019 after noticing that while I had a lot of jazz favorites, I was constantly having to pull them up individually when I wanted to hear them. So, I found some of my favorite pieces and put them in an easily accessible Spotify playlist. One of the earliest songs I added was “Chez Le Photographe Du Motel” and “Générique,” both by Miles Davis. These two songs have always inspired creative feelings in me. Listening to them feels like being transported to an unmarked street in a big city, where everyone’s dreams are big and impossible. It is somehow overwhelming and soothing at the same time. These songs are especially helpful when I am developing fictional characters or creating a world for them to exist in.

Later on, I added other songs, specifically “How Deep is the Ocean” by John Coltrane, Hank Mobley, Al Cohn, and Zoot Sims. It is another beautifully composed instrumental and it feels like it is reminding to breath whenever I hear it. It is an experience of a song. So, when I need to clean up or meditate, I put it on and let it wash over me like a gentle ocean wave. The best part of my jazz playlist is that it is full of songs that help me get in the zone and tune out excess noise. I do not get caught up in the lyrics (when they are present) and none of the songs are fast-paced. More than that, unlike many other artists in other genres, jazz musicians take liberty with the way that use their instruments, including their voices. Whether I need to get into the writing, cleaning, or calming-my-nerves zone, these songs have a diversity of melodies that come from that willingness to improvise and try different sounds. My jazz playlist is laid back enough that it calms my anxiety, but the songs have good beats which can keep me walking.

When I am walking while listening to "Summertime” by Billie Holiday, it makes me feel purposeful and observant. Like, I am just one person among many just making my way around the city. This especially gets me out of my head and into my body, while helping me focus on the vibrancy of the world around me. When I am writing while listening to "My Favorite Things” by John Coltrane, the world feels full of possibilities. That is the best feeling to have while creating the type of thriller or fantasy stories I tend to come up with because it gives me the motivation to create whole new worlds in my mind. When I clean or meditate while listening to "Milestones ft. John Coltrane & Cannonball Adderley” by Miles Davis, it makes me feel energetic and able to focus on each task without getting caught up in the details. My “The One with the Jazz🎷” playlist brings me peace by helping me stay present so I can enjoy the world around me and be grateful for the life I have.