George Russell’s monumental theoretical work, “The Lydian Chromatic Concept of Tonal Organization,” has become an integral part of my life over the years. After years of personal study, I am now delving into an in-depth exploration of the LC Concept with the guidance of Andy Wasserman, aiming to become a certified teacher of the LCC. Over the past year, I have had the privilege of weekly lessons with Andy, who is expertly leading me through the intricacies of the book and every facet of the concept. This journey of learning has been nothing short of extraordinary, and I am humbled to say that I feel as though I have only just begun.
What is The Lydian Chromatic Concept of Tonal Organization?
Answering this question requires more than a simple explanation. The foundational concept of a “unified tonal gravity field” serving as the gravitational center for all musical phenomena dawned on George Russell during the 1950s, sparked by a profound conversation with Miles Davis. This revelation became the cornerstone of Russell’s life’s work, leading him to dedicate himself entirely to its exploration. In essence, it offers a fresh perspective on the understanding of music, introducing a novel way of understanding its inner workings. the LC Concept presents a paradigm shift in how we perceive musical organization, drawing parallels to the harmony found in nature and the cosmos. It provides a remarkably precise, objective, potent and coherent framework for delving into the mysteries of music through improvisation, composition, performance, analysis, or even simply attentive listening.