Jazz for Buddha

[Brian L]

My girlfriend has recently started going to a Chan Buddhism center where she is participating in fairly serious study and rituals, yoga, and other activities. I've never known much about Buddhism, but I have been vaguely aware that many jazz musicians have practiced it -- and that there are some recordings that explicitly refer to Buddhist principles.

At the Chicago Jazz Fest a few months ago, we witnessed Joseph Jarman perform "Hail We Now Sing Joy," a song full of references to the Dharma King, enlightenment, etc. She loved it. When we got home, I played a version of the same song from a recent Art Ensemble of Chicago album. She went nuts.

"Have you got more of this?" she asked. "Make me a CD."

I said I would do so but never got around to it. But she didn't let the idea rest, and now I need help. Do any of you know some other good "Buddha Jazz" that I might be able to steer her to? Particular song recommendations would be great.

But I'd also love to learn your thoughts generally about the relationship between Buddhism and jazz. It would help me to learn more about the religion -- and frankly it might help me to justify playing more squealy avant-garde stuff around the house!

[kenny weir]

The only specific instances I can think of are Tony Scott's Music for Zen Meditation and Music for Yoga Meditation and and Other Joys, Not quite the samw thing as you posted about. But according to All Music, they're both available. I remember the first being reissued on Verve several years ago.

[Paul B]

Listen to Lacy's version of Underline on the "Ballets" album. The piece is based on the Japanese Buddhist mantra Nam-Myo-Ho-Renge-Kyo. Beautiful.

And of course Lacy's "The Way" cycle is based on the Tao Teh Ching.

Bye-ya