How Cannabis Shaped Jazz Music

Jazz and cannabis have a long and intertwined history, with weed playing a significant role in shaping the genre's sound, culture, and evolution. From the smoky clubs of New Orleans to the jazz clubs of Harlem, today we go on a journey through the history of jazz and explore how cannabis influenced some of the most iconic musicians and movements along the way.

The Early Days in New Orleans (1910s-1920s):

New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz, was a melting pot of African, Caribbean, and European musical traditions in the early 20th century. 

It was in the African-American communities of this vibrant city that jazz began to take shape, particularly in the red-light district known as Storyville. It was here, in the smoky bars, brothels, and music halls, that cannabis first became intertwined with the emerging jazz scene.

Cannabis, or reefer as it was known at the time, was a common presence in New Orleans' music community. Musicians would gather in "tea pads," underground venues where they could smoke marijuana, socialise, and jam together. These sessions allowed artists to experiment with new sounds, rhythms, and improvisational techniques, which would later become hallmarks of the jazz style.

Pioneering musicians like Louis Armstrong, one of the most influential figures in the history of jazz, were known to be avid cannabis smokers. Armstrong, who first tried marijuana in the 1920s, believed that it enhanced his creativity and helped him to develop his unique improvisational style. In his autobiography, "Satchmo: My Life in New Orleans," Armstrong wrote about his experiences with cannabis, stating, "We always looked at pot as a sort of medicine, a cheap drunk and with much better thoughts than one that's full of liquor."

Another early jazz legend, Jelly Roll Morton, was also known to indulge in weed. Morton, a pianist, composer, and bandleader, is often credited with helping to codify the structure and style of jazz in its early years. Like Armstrong, Morton believed that cannabis could enhance musical creativity and performance.

As jazz began to spread beyond the borders of New Orleans in the late 1910s and early 1920s, so did the use of cannabis among musicians. Weed would continue to play a significant role in shaping the sound and culture of jazz as it evolved and gained popularity in cities like Chicago, New York, and Kansas City.

The early days of jazz in New Orleans laid the foundation for a lasting relationship between the genre and cannabis. Weed’s influence on the creative process during this period cannot be understated.

Bebop and the Rise of the "Vipers" (1940s):

In the 1940s, a new style of jazz known as bebop emerged, characterised by fast tempos, complex harmonies, and virtuosic improvisation. Pioneered by musicians like Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and Thelonious Monk, bebop was a departure from the more structured and danceable forms of swing jazz that had come before it.

A subculture of marijuana-smoking jazz musicians emerged during this time, known as the "Vipers." The term "viper" was slang for a cannabis smoker, and the Vipers believed that marijuana enhanced their creativity, focus, and ability to navigate the demanding new style of jazz.

Charlie Parker, one of the most influential saxophonists in the history of jazz, was a known cannabis user. He even recorded a song called "Relaxin' at Camarillo," which referenced his time in a mental health facility where he was treated for his drug use. Dizzy Gillespie, another key figure in the development of bebop, was also a marijuana smoker and often incorporated references to weed in his music and stage banter.

The Vipers used marijuana as a means of bonding, relaxation, and creative inspiration, and their influence would continue to be felt in the jazz world for decades to come.

Cool Jazz and Modal Jazz (1950s-1960s):

As jazz continued to evolve in the 1950s and 60s, new subgenres began to emerge, including cool jazz and modal jazz. Cool jazz, which originated on the West Coast, had a more relaxed and understated sound than bebop. Modal jazz, pioneered by Miles Davis and John Coltrane, focused on improvisation based on scales and modes rather than traditional chord progressions.

Many of the leading musicians in these subgenres were also known for their use of cannabis. Miles Davis, one of the most influential figures in the history of jazz, was a long time marijuana smoker. In his autobiography, Davis wrote about how cannabis helped him to relax and focus on his music, stating, "I had discovered that marijuana helped me to relax and play better."

John Coltrane, another giant of the jazz world, was also a cannabis user. Coltrane's approach to music was often associated with his use of marijuana, which he believed helped him to tap into deeper levels of consciousness and creativity. His landmark album "A Love Supreme" is often cited as an example of the transcendent, spiritual qualities that cannabis could bring to jazz.

Other notable jazz musicians of the era, such as Art Blakey and Sonny Rollins, were also known to use cannabis as a means of enhancing their creativity and performance. The influence of marijuana on cool jazz and modal jazz helped to shape the sound and culture of these subgenres, and cemented weeds' place in the history of jazz.

Jazz-Funk and Fusion (1970s):

In the 1970s, jazz began to incorporate elements of funk, rock, and world music, giving birth to the jazz-funk and fusion movements. These new subgenres were characterised by a focus on rhythmic grooves, electric instrumentation, and extended improvisations.

Cannabis remained a staple of the jazz scene during this era, with many musicians openly discussing its influence on their music. Herbie Hancock, one of the pioneers of jazz-funk and fusion, was known for his use of marijuana. In a 1978 interview with Downbeat magazine, Hancock spoke about how cannabis helped him to create a more relaxed and organic sound, stating, "I find that marijuana makes me more creative, more open to new ideas."

George Duke, another key figure in the jazz-funk and fusion movements, was also a cannabis user. Duke's music often featured a laid-back, funky vibe that was well-suited to the euphoric and relaxed state induced by marijuana.

The looser, groovier sounds of jazz-funk and fusion were a natural fit for the cannabis-fueled creativity and experimentation of the era. Musicians would often smoke marijuana in the studio or before performances, using the herb as a means of tapping into a more intuitive and spontaneous approach to music-making.

Other notable jazz-funk and fusion artists, such as Weather Report and Chick Corea, were also associated with the use of cannabis. The herb's influence on the sound and culture of these subgenres helped to define the jazz landscape of the 1970s and beyond.

Modern Times and the Legacy of Jazz and Cannabis:

Today, the influence of cannabis on jazz can still be felt in the music of contemporary artists who embrace the herb's creative potential. Musicians like Kamasi Washington, Thundercat, and Esperanza Spalding have all spoken about their use of marijuana as a means of enhancing their creativity and tapping into a more spiritual and meditative approach to music-making.

The legalisation of marijuana in some parts of the world has also led to a renewed interest in the historical connection between jazz and cannabis. In recent years, there have been a number of music festivals and events that celebrate the intersection of jazz and cannabis culture, such as the Jazz Dispensary and the Emerald Cup.

As we reflect on the legacy of jazz and its relationship with marijuana, it's clear that the weed played a significant role in shaping one of America's most important cultural and musical movements. From the early days of New Orleans jazz to the funk-infused sounds of the 1970s and beyond, cannabis has been a constant companion and creative catalyst for generations of jazz musicians.

The use of marijuana and its influence on the development and evolution of jazz is undeniable. As the cultural and legal landscape continues to shift, it's likely that the relationship between jazz and cannabis will continue to evolve and find new forms of expression in the years to come.