The Traneumentary

Episode 32 - McCoy Tyner

2007-08-02T08:23:00.000-07:00

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The Traneumentary journey began with a visit with McCoy Tyner in the summer of 2006. It only seems fitting that McCoy closes the series. Here, he talks genuinely about his experiences with his late friend and mentor John Coltrane.

More information: McCoy Tyner

Tracks used in this episode:

"Greensleeves"
"It's Easy To Remember"
"I Want To Talk About You"
"Alabama"
"Out of This World"
"All or Nothing At All"
"Acknowledgement"
"My Favorite Things"

iMix from this episode:

Episode 31 - Lews Porter (Commentary)

2007-07-30T08:02:00.000-07:00

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Pianist and renowned Coltrane biographer Lewis Porter delivers a brilliant commentary on the selection "Psalm" from "A Love Supreme."

More information: Lewis Porter

Episode 30 - Geri Allen

2007-07-30T07:56:00.000-07:00

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The pianist Geri Allen profoundly defines John Coltrane and also talks about the great McCoy Tyner.

More information: Geri Allen

Tracks used in this episode:

"After The Rain"
"Vilia"
"Impressions"
"Resolution"

iMix from this episode:

Episode 29 - Jimmy Cobb (Commentary)

2007-07-23T15:07:00.000-07:00

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Legendary drummer Jimmy Cobb takes us back to 1960 and playing behind Miles and Trane on the classic track "So What."

More information: Jimmy Cobb

Episode 28 - Jason Moran

2007-07-23T15:01:00.000-07:00

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Pianist Jason moran shares his introduction to Trane and more.

More information: Jason Moran

Tracks used in this episode:

"Trinkle Tinkle"
"Nutty"
"Giant Steps
"Countdown"
"One Down, One Up"

iMix from this episode:

Episode 27 - Lenny Pickett (Commentary)

2007-07-20T05:54:00.000-07:00

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Saxophonist Lenny Pickett breaks down his favorite Coltrane track "Expression."

More information: Lenny Pickett

Lenny’s photo credit: Mary Ellen Matthews

Episode 26 - Dave Schroeder (Commentary)

2007-07-10T02:57:00.000-07:00

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Dave Schroeder fondly discusses the beauty "Lush Life" from the Hartman/Coltrane album.

More information: NYUJazz Studies

Episode 25 - Anton Fig (Commentary)

2007-07-10T02:54:00.000-07:00

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Anton Fig talks Elvin Jones and drumming on the classic "A Love Supreme."

More information: Anton Fig

Episode 24 - Ashley Kahn (Commentary)

2007-07-09T11:51:00.000-07:00

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Ashley Kahn brilliantly breaks down the Trane classic "A Love Supreme."

More information: Ashley Kahn

Episode 23 - Charles Tolliver

2007-07-09T11:35:00.000-07:00

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Trumpeter Charles Tolliver shares his very personal story about John Coltrane - the man and his music.

More information: Charles Tolliver

Tracks used in this episode:

"'Round About Midnight"
“Giant Steps”
“Chasin' The Trane”
"Acknowledgement”
"Naima"
"Epistrophy"
"India"
"Tune Up/When Lights Are Low"

iMix from this episode:

Episode 22 - Steve Kuhn

2007-06-18T06:41:00.000-07:00

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Pianist Steve Kuhn had the great fortune to play with John Coltrane in 1960. On this episode, Steve shares his story about how this came about and further discusses the sax master's music and overall being.

Very special thanks goes out to Steve Kuhn for making time for this interview.

More information: Steve Kuhn

Tracks used in this episode:

"The Theme" Miles Davis Quintet
“Like Sonny”
“I'll Wait and Pray”
“Countdown”
"I Want To Talk About You"

iMix from this episode:

Episode 21 - Lewis Porter

2007-06-12T06:41:00.000-07:00

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Musician and educator Lewis Porter is one of the real authorities when it comes to John Coltrane. Having written the definitive bio on the famous saxophonist (John Coltrane-His Life and Music), Lewis' vast knowledge balances both the music and human sides of Trane in great detail. On this episode, Lewis highlights the early part of Trane's recording career on Prestige and later on, he comments on the track "Psalm" which is guaranteed to have people talking. Throughout the production of the Traneumentary, Lewis has served as an invaluable resource in the development of this series.

More information: Lewis Porter

Tracks used in this episode:

"Lush Life"
“Little Melonae”
“While My Lady Sleeps”
“Bahia”
"Good Bait"

iMix from this episode:

Episode 19 & 20 - Joe Lovano

2007-06-06T10:52:00.000-07:00

[ Listen to episode 19 ]

[ Listen to episode 20 ]

The great saxophonist Joe Lovano has been one of the leading forces in jazz for nearly three decades. Joe's father, Tony, was also a mighty sax player in his own right and taught young Joe about John Coltrane and his recordings. On this episode, Joe shares his discovering of Coltrane.

On episode 20, Joe breaks down the classic Coltrane composition "Moment's Notice" from the album Blue Train.

More information: Joe Lovano

Tracks used in this episode:

"Summertime"
“Syeeda's Song Flute”
“Dahomey Dance”
“Liberia”
"Harmonique"

iMix from this episode:

Episode 18 - Dr. Billy Taylor

2007-05-30T11:13:00.001-07:00

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The great Dr. Billy Taylor has done it all in his prolific career. He learned from the master pianist Art Tatum, played with Ben Webster, Ella, Bird, Diz, Duke Ellington, Miles and many others. He is also a gifted pianist and composer in his own right as well as one of the premier educators of the music. Billy created the Jazz Mobile and the Jazz and July Series @ University of Massachusetts. Currently, he is Artistic Director of Jazz at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC.

Back in the day, Billy had the occasion to hang out with Coltrane at Birdland and discuss music, artistic influences and life. On this special Traneumentary episode, Billy performs a beautiful version of the classic “Naima” plus talks fondly of John Coltrane.

Billy is also our voice & host for the Traneumentary.

More information: Dr. Billy Taylor

Tracks used in this episode:

"Time After Time"
“In A Senitmental Mood”
“Something I Dreamed Last Night”
“The Inch Worm”

iMix from this episode:

Episode 17 - Dave Liebman (Commentary)

2007-05-21T07:41:00.000-07:00

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Dave Liebman comments on one of his all-time favorite John Coltrane Quartet tracks "Crescent."

More information: Dave Liebman

Tracks used in this episode:

“Crescent”

John Coltrane Quartet - Crescent:

Episode 16 - Robert Glasper

2007-05-16T07:22:00.000-07:00

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Pianist Robert Glasper is one of the most exciting players on the scene today. Robert’s latest recording In My Element is a dynamic work featuring the pianist’s groovin' trio carving their way through a number of great tracks. Robert’s unique blend of melodic playing and unpredictable improvisations are just amazing.

On the episode, Robert talks about McCoy Tyner’s influence as well as his introduction into John Coltrane’s music.

More information: Robert Glasper

Tracks used in this episode:

"Welcome"
“Love”
“Acknowledgement”
“Lonnie's Lament”

iMix from this episode:

Episode 15 - Sonny Rollins

2007-05-08T08:48:00.000-07:00

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Sonny Rollins is a legendary musical force, and like Trane, inspires people to this day with his masterful improvisations and amazing wizardry on the saxophone. Sonny is a true legend who respected John Coltrane and also had a beautiful friendship with him. In 1956, Sonny and Trane recorded a track entitled “Tenor Madness.” It would be the only recording featuring the two brilliant saxophonists. On this episode, Sonny reflects on that recording, meeting Trane and the friendship he had with him.

More information: Sonny Rollins

Special thanks to Bret Primack for conducting this interview. Bret also produces Sonny’s podcast series - be sure to
check it out.

Tracks used in this episode:

“Tenor Madness”

Sonny Rollins with John Coltrane:

Episode 14 - Joshua Redman

2007-05-02T13:18:00.000-07:00

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Saxophonist Joshua Redman is one of the leading players in jazz. His stellar recording "Mood Swing" set the tone for emerging jazz musicians back in the middle 90's. Throughout the years, Joshua has been extremely active as a recording and touring leader/musician. He is currently the artistic director for the San Francisco Jazz Festival and leader of the critically acclaimed ensemble SF Jazz Collective. His latest recording, "Back East," is his first trio album.

On this episode, Joshua shares his personal story of John Coltrane.

More information: Joshua Redman

Tracks used in this episode:

“Acknowledgement”
“Crescent”
“Wise One”

iMix from this episode:

Episode 13 - Anton Fig

2007-04-23T14:12:00.000-07:00

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When I first went to see McCoy Tyner at the Blue Note in the summer of 2006, I ran into Paul Schaffer and Anton Fig who were also attending the show. Both Anton and Paul respectfully greeted McCoy back stage and talked with him right before I met and recorded the McCoy “special greeting” Traneumentary episode. A month later I met with Anton to record two Traneumentary pieces.
Since Anton is a great drummer, I thought his perspective on Elvin Jones would be vital and interesting to the Traneumentary collection of episodes. Little did I know but Anton had the fortune of hanging out with Elvin and also seeing him shortly before his death.

On this episode, Anton describes his introduction into the music of John Coltrane and also discusses the brilliant drumming of the master Elvin Jones.

More information: Anton Fig

Tracks used in this episode:

“Kulu Se Mama”
“The Drum Thing”
“Resolution”

iMix from this episode:

Episode 12 - Dave Liebman

2007-04-16T13:01:00.000-07:00

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The great saxophonist Dave Liebman reveals his personal story witnessing John Coltrane live and how that experience changed his life. Dave also shares deep and thoughtful perspectives on Coltrane’s artistic place in the world.

More information: Dave Liebman

Tracks used in this episode:

“My Favorite Things” (Live)
“Naima” (Live)

iMix from this episode:

Episode 11 - Michael Cuscuna (Commentary)

2007-04-11T08:30:00.000-07:00

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Michael Cuscuna takes us inside the famous New York jazz spot Birdland circa 1961. Michael comments on the Quartet's historic recording of "Afro Blue."

More information: Mosaic Records

Tracks used in this episode:

“Afro Blue”

John Coltrane Quartet - Live at Birdland:

Episode 10 - Michael Cuscuna

2007-04-10T03:08:00.000-07:00

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Producer and jazz authority Michael Cuscuna shares his fond memories of seeing the John Quartet Quartet Live. Michael gets right to the core of the matter in this “must listen” episode.

More information: Mosaic Records

Tracks used in this episode:

“Spiritual”
“Alabama”
“Ascension”
"Transition”

iMix from this episode:

Episode 9 - Ashley Kahn

2007-04-02T10:46:00.001-07:00

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Writer Ashley Kahn is one of the most profound authorities when it comes to John Coltrane. He has written three, well researched, and enjoyable books that feature John Coltrane among others.

The House That Trane Built: The Story of Impulse! Records
Kind of Blue-The Making of the Miles Davis Masterpiece
A Love Supreme-The Story of John Coltrane’s Signature Album

On the first of two Traneumentary episodes, Ashley puts Coltrane’s musical force and legacy into perspective. He presents a brief portrait of the artist and sets the tone for his second, and truly amazing, episode where he breaks down the famous Coltrane album “A Love Supreme.”

More information: Ashley Kahn

Tracks used in this episode:

“Dear Lord”
“Wise One”

iMix from this episode:

Episode 8 - Jason Moran (Commentary)

2007-03-26T12:34:00.000-07:00

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Pianist Jason Moran is one of the most prolific musicians on the scene today. Jason’s recordings, on the Blue Note label, provide a refreshing and dynamic window into new creative musical environments. His music is exciting and profoundly innovative. His latest album, Artist In Residence, is simply brilliant and a must listen.

On the first of two Traneumentary episodes, Jason walks us through the track “Monk’s Mood” taken from the historic 1958 Carnegie Hall recording and explains the musical magic between Trane and Monk.

More information: Jason Moran

Tracks used in this episode:

“Monk's Mood”

Thelonious Monk Quartet with John Coltrane:

Episode 7 - Lenny Pickett

2007-03-19T10:58:00.000-07:00

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One of the most recognizable tenor saxophonists over the last 20 years, Lenny Pickett turned heads working in the original Tower of Power horn section. In 1985, he joined the Saturday Night Live band and since 1995, he has been the band's musical director. Over the years, Lenny has became a sought after session player recording with a variety of jazz artists as well as popular artists such as David Bowie, Elton John and the Talking Heads. He also serves on the NYU Jazz Studies faculty.

On this episode, Lenny takes us back on his journey as a young musician living in Berkeley, California and shares his introduction into the music of John Coltrane.

More information: Lenny Pickett

Tracks used in this episode:

“Tunji”
“Offering”
“Big Nick”
“Too Young To Go Steady”
“Expression”
“Out of the World”

iMix from this episode:

Lenny’s photo credit: Mary Ellen Matthews