From the desk of Mr. Monk

Jazz

I love jazz music. Everything about it seems to fit in with my outlook on music and design. You only have to pick up a copy of Straight No Chaser and the photography is sublime. Pick up a Blue Noe Record sleeve and basically you’re in heaven.

I watched Live at Abbey Road the other day which had Herbie Hancock on it and the production values were superb. It oozed class and technical prowess. Have a look at the site here to see what I mean.

Blue note covers have been a good source of inspiration over the past few years. They have given me a way out of the clinical sterility trap that comes with modernism. Whilst remaining true to my design philosophy (Not sure I know 100% what that is yet, or at least I can’t put it into words).

This book is one of my favourites. Definitely worth a look.

So the influences of jazz photography, film and music have rubbed off on me in a big way. I guess I believe that jazz music is about an emotional tie to music. Its a form of release and expression. Its an art-form that has a conceptual and abstract quality, but is feared by some because of its forward thinking. Its straight talking, real, blunt and sophisticated. My favourite artist is Theolonious Monk. I particularly like jazz tracks that don’t have vocals. I feel that they are more of a universal symbol.

I have played the saxophone for a fair few years, but decided not to pursue it professionally for many reasons but because of playing I have seen people that have developed into great players. Its also shown me a second community to designers.

Each specialism has its divides which are in-itself, interesting. Jazz players and classical instrumentalists don’t seem to get on. This divide seems to be similar to the graphic designers and fine artist argument. Whilst I disagree with these segregated groups, they appear unavoidable. One day I’m sure someone with enough power (some have already tried) will drill it into them that they are only holding back progress. 

Im seriously deviating here. Jazz is a for of modernism. Its forward thinking and abstract. What you can’t hear is just as important the notes you can. I can totally relate to this. Now don’t get me wrong, I cant play the Jazz I love to listen to. Im sure that with practice I could, but that’s not my bag. I play with design the same way that I wish I could with the sax. My love of Swiss design depicts my cleanliness in my discipline. I love to create the subtle nuances that average Joe can’t understand or just never “gets it”. The notes I don’t play are white space, and the sweet lines of melody are balanced, kerned lines of Helvetica.

I really can’t put everything into words here because i don’t think I know how. All I know is that when I listen to jazz my brain flicks a switch for some sort of visualiser, and I draw parallels between the music and the art that I love.