Neil Young reveals the two jazz musicians who most influenced his art and improvisation

Neil Young, often recognized as a musical chameleon alongside icons like David Bowie and Lou Reed, deserves even more credit for his versatility and artistic boldness over the decades. Although his early work was marked by straightforward, blues-influenced rock, Young always incorporated diverse elements and subtle experimentations that challenged the boundaries of the genre. The 1980s were a challenging period for Neil Young, with a decline in his commercial success. However, it was also a phase of intense experimentation and creative activity. He transitioned from electronic albums like *Trans* to rockabilly works like *Everybody's Rockin'*, demonstrating an artistic restlessness that divided opinions, but reflected his sincere search for new forms of expression. By the time he reunited with his band Crazy Horse for the album *Ragged Glory* in 1990, Young had already turned his focus to new influences. In an interview with *Mojo* magazine in 1995, he revealed that two jazz giants were fundamental to his way of improvising during this period: Miles Davis and John Coltrane. Neil Young highlighted that although jazz is not the main style of his music, the approach of these musicians profoundly influenced his guitar improvisations with Crazy Horse. He especially mentioned his admiration for iconic Coltrane albums such as *Equinox* and *My Favorite Things*, which exemplify the freedom and musical expansion that Young sought to embody. In addition to the technical aspect, Young valued Miles Davis' philosophy on musical creation. For him, Davis represented an attitude of constant transformation, rejecting stagnation: "There's no reason to stay in the same place once you've done something. You could stay all your life, and it would become ordinary work." This vision of continuous renewal resonated with Young's own trajectory, who has always sought to evolve and reinvent his music, even if this has not always been well received by the public. Miles Davis and John Coltrane, recognized as two of jazz's greatest innovators, had their impact extend beyond the genre, influencing artists like Neil Young to explore new sonic frontiers. Although *Ragged Glory* is often associated with the grunge movement, the influence of these jazz masters is present in the way Young approached improvisation and creativity, remaining true to an ethos of constant innovation. This connection reveals a lesser-known side of Neil Young, showing that his genius is not limited to traditional rock, but draws on a rich and diverse musical heritage. His courage to experiment and his admiration for these two jazz icons are proof of his commitment to keeping the art alive, dynamic and ever-changing.