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

Episode 6 - Karrin Allyson

2007-03-13T07:53:00.000-07:00

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Grammy-nominated artist Karrin Allyson has been churning out one great recording after another great recording for many years. With each album comes a new musical theme in which she performs both as a vocalist and pianist. A few years back she paid homage to John Coltrane with the release of “Ballads-Remembering John Coltrane” – a set of the repertoire from the classic “Ballads” album along with a few added “Trane” inspired pieces. The album was not only successful but critically acclaimed. On this episode, Karrin shares the story of her first experience listening to John Coltrane as well as adds her perspective on his music and artistry from the point of view of a vocalist.

More information: Karrin Allyson

Tracks used in this episode:

“Lonnie’s Lament”
“Everytime We Say Goodbye”
“Traneing in”

iMix from this episode:

Episode 5 - Joel Dorn

2007-03-05T07:11:00.000-08:00

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Producer, disc jockey, record executive and all around jazz authority Joel Dorn (aka The Masked Announcer) talks of Trane from his first hand accounts as a radio DJ in Philly and as a young producer at Atlantic Records. Joel gets right to the core of the matter with his discussion of Coltrane’s ascent with Giant Steps and My Favorite Things. Plus, he describes the Coltrane Quartet “live” experience and the saxophonist’s funeral.

In addition to producing a wide assortment of great jazz recordings, including two Coltrane reissues “Anthology” and "The Heavyweight Champion,” Joel earned Grammy Award’s for Roberta Flack’s “Killing Me Softly” and "The First Time I Ever Saw You.”

More information: Hyena Records

Tracks used in this episode:

“My Favorite Things”
“Village Blues”
“Giant Steps”
“Central Park West”
“Ole”
“Naima”
“Equinox”

iMix from this episode:

Episode 4 - Dave Schroeder

2007-02-27T03:22:00.000-08:00

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The Director of the NYU Jazz Studies program, Dave Schroeder, presents a dynamic portrait of John Coltrane. Aside from running one of the best jazz education programs in the states, he is also a fabulous musician who plays regularly with his band Combo Nuvo in New York City and the surrounding area. Throughout the production of the Traneumentary, Dave played a key role as advisor along with Lewis Porter. On this episode, Dave shares his early experiences hearing Trane and also provides an enriched examination of key elements that made John Coltrane so unique and amazing.

More information: NYUJazzStudies

Tracks used in this episode:

“Lazy Bird”
“Om”
“My Favorite Things”
“Lover”
“Too Young To Go Steady”
“Venus”

iMix from this episode:

Episode 3 - Michael Cuscuna (Commentary)

2007-02-19T12:04:00.000-08:00

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Veteran producer Michael Cuscuna is the "go to" guy when it comes to jazz reissue production and remastering. He is one of the most knowledgeable sources when it comes to jazz artists and recordings plus he is one of owners of the phenom niche label, Mosaic Records. On our first Traneumentary commentary episode, Michael shares his rich views on one of Coltrane’s finest compositions and recordings as a leader – Blue Train. Later in the series, Michael will discuss his first hand experience seeing the John Coltrane Quartet live and also break down the historic Carnegie Hall recording and musical relationship of Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane.

More information: MosaicRecords

Tracks used on this episode:

"Blue Train" from Blue Train

iMix from this episode:

Episode 2 - Jimmy Cobb

2007-02-12T11:19:00.001-08:00

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Legendary drummer Jimmy Cobb has performed and recorded with many of the most prolific jazz artists including Miles Davis, Dinah Washington, Wes Montgomery and Sarah Vaughan. Jimmy’s work with John Coltrane is most recognized on Miles’ recordings such as “Kind of Blue,” “Someday My Prince Will Come” and “In Person Friday and Saturday Nights At the Blackhawk.” While Trane was recording various sessions for the Prestige label, he recruited Jimmy to play on several of them. On this episode, Jimmy recounts working and recording with John Coltrane.

More information: JimmyCobb.com

Tracks used in this episode:

“Love Thy Neighbor”
“My Ideal”
“I’m A Dreamer, Aren’t We All”
“Invitation”
“Spring Is Here”

All tracks taken from the “Fearless Leader” box set.

iMix from this episode:

Episode 1 - Terence Blanchard

2007-02-03T07:00:00.000-08:00

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We officially launch the Traneumentary episodes with New Orleans based trumpeter and film composer Terence Blanchard. Terence has worked and recorded with a number of musicians including Art Blakey, Lionel Hampton and Donald Harrison and has scored numerous films most notably for Spike Lee. His latest recordings are "Flow" ( Amazon| iTunes), "Inside Man" ( Amazon | iTunes ) and "When The Levees Broke..." (Amazon).

On this episode, Terence talks about his introduction to John Coltrane and comments on the saxophonist's innovation and lasting impact.

Additional information: TerenceBlanchard.com

Track excerpts used in this episode:

"Trane’s Blues” & "Four" from Miles Davis Quintet “Workin’”
"Acknowledgement" from A Love Supreme
"I Want To Talk About You," "Afro Blue" and "Chasin' The Trane" from Afro Blue Impressions

iMix from this episode:

McCoy Tyner Greeting

2007-02-03T05:34:00.000-08:00

The Traneumentary’s journey started last summer with a visit with McCoy Tyner after a performance at New York’s famed Blue Note jazz club. After McCoy’s first set, I met him in his dressing room and presented an overview of this series and asked if he would be interested in participating. Although he was unaware of podcasts and blogs, he understood the importance of celebrating and expanding the legacy of John Coltrane to a new and digital-savvy audience. He immediately agreed to be a part of this innovative program and then he cut the special greeting contained on this episode. I did not edit much of his original statement for it was purely sincere and loving. Later in this series, you will hear McCoy talk about his personal relationship with John as well as the amazing experience he had playing with the famous Quartet.

An excerpt from the classic track "Lonnie's Lament" is playing under McCoy’s message. It is from the John Coltrane album "Crescent" / Amazon | iTunes.

The Traneumentary - Premiere Episode

2007-02-02T13:25:00.000-08:00

What better way to start the Traneumentary then hearing the man himself talk about his art. These interview excerpts, taken from the album entitled "Miles Davis & John Coltrane - Live in Stockholm 1960," find Coltrane at a very unique place - ending his stint with MIles and starting his Atlantic Records tenure. Enjoy familiar Trane musical excerpts in this musical preview of the series.

All music used in Traneumentary episodes will be listed per each blog entry and when possible, a soundtrack iMix will also be listed and linked to iTunes.

Track excerpts used in this episode:

"I Want To Talk About You" from Live At Birdland
"On Green Dolphin Street" from Miles Davis/John Coltane Live in Stockholm 1960
"My Favorite Things" from My Favorite Things
"Acknowledgement" from A Love Supreme
"My One & Only Love" from John Coltrane & Johnny Hartman

iMix from this episode:

(John Coltrane interview excerpts courtesy of Dragon Records.)

The story behind the Traneumentary ...

2007-01-31T08:31:00.000-08:00

In the summer of 2006, I was contacted by Concord Records to create a podcast episode on a John Coltrane box set entitled “Fearless Leader.” After reviewing the material, it dawned on me that it would be nearly impossible, and somewhat a disservice, to create a single podcast episode on such an intense and profound artist. Having spent countless hours listening to Coltrane myself, I knew first hand his essence transcended the very music he left us and penetrated deeper areas within those who embraced it.

I had a bigger and better idea to introduce Coltrane to the podsphere and I quickly proceeded to contact my record label colleagues at Atlantic, Blue Note and Impulse. I told them about Concord’s request and presented a way we could all work together. I wanted to celebrate and introduce the great music of John Coltrane through his most famous recordings but also through personal stories and accounts from a variety of musicians, producers, writers and educators. Within thirty minutes, the Traneumentary was born.

The Traneumentary is an audio podcast series celebrating the artistry and recordings of John Coltrane. The series includes episodes with Jimmy Cobb, McCoy Tyner, Sonny Rollins, Steve Kuhn, Dave Liebman, Terence Blanchard, Joe Lovano, Geri Allen, Jason Moran, Dr Billy Taylor, Anton Fig, Karrin Allyson, Michael Cuscuna, Lewis Porter, Ashley Kahn, Dave Schroeder, Lenny Pickett and many others.

The series begins February 6th and runs through July 17th with updates every Tuesday.

The music of John Coltrane is good for your health and for the universe so share this series with as many friends as you can!

Many thanks go out to my label friends and colleagues Dave Henson, Lisa Nauful, Jon Vanhala, Matthew Fitz-Henry, Nate Herr, Jeff Zakim, Angelika Beener, Matthew Amoroso, Cem Kurosman, David Sholemson, Randall Kennedy, Jim Beaumont, Adam Hertz and the Apple, Inc. crew Neil Appel, Andy Doe, Scott Simpson, Pete Alcorn, Dustin Driver, Michael Suh and Glenn Bulycz.

Special thanks to Bret Primack for his insightful feedback and for interviewing Sonny, Dr. Billy Taylor for being our MC, Lewis Porter for providing timely Coltrane technical information, Michael deMartin for pod/blog design, Dave Schroeder at NYU for opening up his little black book and to Jim Best for giving me my first Coltrane album.

Very special thanks to all of the talented participants for their stories and generous support especially the alumni group: Jimmy Cobb, Steve Kuhn, Sonny Rollins and McCoy Tyner.

Sadly, we were unable to speak with three individuals who were on our master list - we celebrate their lives, mourn their departures and dedicate this series to them - Ed Bradley, Michael Brecker and Alice Coltrane.

Sincerely,

- Joseph Vella / 01.31.07