In a world where jazz is often seen as the liberal artsy type’s playground, Graham Collier’s 'Midnight Blue' stands as a testament that jazz can very well align with a structured, disciplined, and yes—conservative lifestyle. Released in 1975 in a time when society was grappling with unprecedented change, this album offers more than a musical experience; it's a callback to a time when people appreciated the value of tradition and were not entirely driven by idealistic utopianism.
Graham Collier was no ordinary musician; he was a composer who defied norms and charted his own path in the jazz world. Having studied at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, a place known for its rigor and strict adherence to musical theory, Collier became known for his no-nonsense approach to jazz. And what better embodiment of that ethos than 'Midnight Blue'?
Recorded in London—a city at the heart of Western civilization—the album is a nuanced blend of genres, akin to a conservative blending forces of reason and pragmatism to address society’s constant craving for change. From the opening track to the final note, it’s obvious that Collier composed this album with the intelligent listener in mind—not those looking for trendy shock value.
The term 'Midnight Blue' itself speaks to a sense of elegance and simplicity. In a world obsessed with gaudy, ostentatious expressions, Collier dares to use restraint, illustrating that you don’t need to be loud to make a statement. This is akin to the often-misunderstood conservative belief that more isn’t always better, and quality triumphs over the incessant chase for the novel.
Listening to tracks like 'Lullaby for a Lonely Child,' you're reminded of a world that has been brushed aside in the modern age—one where the values of quiet reflection and thoughtfulness are cherished commodities. Collier successfully teleports you to an era when people understood the responsibilities that came with freedom, not just the rights.
Each piece on the album displays his command over his craft, an attribute that should resonate with those who believe in working hard and letting results speak for themselves. Similarly, if you appreciate the beauty of complex structures, 'Midnight Blue' weaves through intricately patterned soundscapes that never lose sight of their angular roots, much like the consistency conservatives hold dear.
Add to that the clarity and precision of the instrumentals, and you find music that’s symphonic in its delivery, clean and effective like a well-executed policy meeting. Jazz criticized for its spontaneity finds its haven here in a melody designed not to stray too far into chaos, adding another layer to its appeal for those who value order over anarchy.
From a political angle, this album can be seen as a symbol of musical Brexit: shedding excesses and retaining core principles. 'Midnight Blue' chooses authenticity over disingenuous 'fusion,' rejecting excessive influence from the radical avant-garde that haunts today's jazz scene.
Collier doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel here, nor does he need to—much like how conservative governance relies on time-tested principles instead of baseless experimentation. This approach won’t endear him to liberals who thrive on constant upheaval but is a breath of fresh air for those who cherish stability and merit.
Despite the commentary from mainstream media critics who may label this album as 'safe' or 'predictable,' it is anything but. Much like many in the conservative realm, it requires one to look beyond superficiality and dive into its intelligent composition and restrained brilliance.
'If you stand for nothing, you’ll fall for anything,' is a sentiment echoed throughout 'Midnight Blue.' With each note, the album quietly champions the idea that enduring values and understated elegance never go out of style. Imagine this album as a fine three-course dinner at a top-notch restaurant, opposed to a fast-food meal designed to please mass emotions instead of refined palates.
In 'Midnight Blue,' Collier offers a soundtrack for those who believe in the principles of restrained beauty and the power of tried-and-true methods. It’s an auditory respite for the discerning individual who values depth over surface-level shimmer and doesn’t bow down to fleeting cultural whims.