The reason for never being able to shake off Coltrane's influence

[Nonverbis]

Source: Upstream Proficiency by Virginia Evans and Jenny Dooley.

What troubles me is item 7 here.

The question reveals that the intervuee has always been influenced by Coltrane.
But in fact he answers that Coltrane is put off when he composes music. In other words, he has really been able to shake off Coltrane's influence.

Am I right that the item is formulated incorrectly?

 

[Skrej]

Source: Upstream Proficiency by Virginia Evans and Jenny Dooley.

What troubles me is item 7 here.

The question reveals that the intervuee interviewee has always been influenced by Coltrane.
But in fact he answers that Coltrane is put off put out of his mind when he composes music. In other words, he has really been able to shake off Coltrane's influence?

Am I right that the item is formulated incorrectly?

The supplied answers are fine. He tries not to consciously think of Coltrane while composing, but he knows that subconsciously he can't avoid at least some influence from Coltrane. He avoids comparing himself to Coltrane, but acknowledges Coltrane's influence on him.

 

[Nonverbis]

The task sounds strange for me.

Because music is part of his identity...

No definite article befor "music". This is about abstract music.

Then. Let's suppose that you are right and he has newer shook off Coltrane's influence.

No matter what you do, music is a part of your identity.

It is not about Coltrane's music. It is just music.
In other words, Coltrane influences him because abstract music is a part of his life. This is a bit farfetched, in my view.

 

[Barque]

It is not about Coltrane's music. It is just music.

It refers to music that he's been exposed to, which includes Coltrane. It can't be "abstract music". You learn about music by listening to it, and when you say music is part of your identity, it can only be music that you've heard.
'

Coltrane influences him because abstract music is a part of his life. This is a bit farfetched, in my view.

I think you're going too much by the literal meaning of the words and not considering what they're intended to mean.