In this episode, I discuss legendary saxophonist John Coltrane with talented historians, writers, and, of course, musicians. One of those musicians, Charles McPherson, knew Coltrane personally. Coltrane's signature album A Love Supreme and his groundbreaking song "Giant Steps" are singled out for attention, and we talk about his classic quartet with Elvin Jones, McCoy Tyner, and Jimmy Garrison, as well as some of his other great bandmates, including Eric Dolphy, Pharoah Sanders, Rashied Ali, and Alice Coltrane. Coltrane's spirituality, its influence on his sound, and his passion and dedication to the horn permeate the interviews.
Recommended listening:
A Love Supreme Blue Train
Africa Brass Impressions
Giant Steps Meditations
Kulu Se Mama Black Pearls
Transition Live at Birdland
Duke Ellington and John Coltrane Interstellar Space
Ballads Coltrane's Sound
Out of This World My Favorite Things