The Traneumentary
Celebrating the Artistry & Recordings of John Coltrane
The great saxophonist Joe Lovano has been one of the leading forces in jazz for nearly three decades. Joe's father, Tony, also a mighty sax player taught young Joe about John Coltrane and his recordings. On this episode, Joe shares his discovering of Coltrane.
Tracks used in this episode:
• "Summertime"
• “Syeeda's Song Flute”
• “Dahomey Dance”
• “Liberia”
• "Harmonique"
On this episode, Joe breaks down the classic Coltrane composition "Moment's Notice" from the album Blue Train.
Tracks used in this episode:
• "Moment's Notice"
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 the Prestige label.
Tracks used in this episode:
• "Lush Life"
• “Little Melonae”
• “While My Lady Sleeps”
• “Bahia”
• "Good Bait"
Pianist Steve Kuhn had the great fortune to play with John Coltrane in 1960. On this episode, Steve shares that story and further discusses the sax master's music.
Tracks used in this episode:
• "The Theme" Miles Davis Quintet
• “Like Sonny”
• “I'll Wait and Pray”
• “Countdown”
• "I Want To Talk About You"
Trumpeter Charles Tolliver shares his very personal story about John Coltrane - the man and his music.
Tracks used in this episode:
• "'Round About Midnight"
• “Giant Steps”
• “Chasin' The Trane”
• "Acknowledgement”
• "Naima"
• "Epistrophy"
• "India"
• "Tune Up/When Lights Are Low"
Ashley Kahn brilliantly breaks down the Trane classic "A Love Supreme."
Tracks used in this episode:
• "A Love Supreme"
Anton Fig talks Elvin Jones and drumming on the classic "A Love Supreme."
Tracks used in this episode:
• "A Love Supreme"
Dave Schroeder fondly discusses the beauty "Lush Life" from the Johnny Hartman/John Coltrane album.
Tracks used in this episode:
• "Lush Life"
Saxophonist Lenny Pickett breaks down his favorite Coltrane track "Expression."
Tracks used on this episode:
• "Expression"
Pianist Jason Moran is one of the most prolific musicians on the scene today. Jason’s recordings provide a refreshing and dynamic window into new creative musical environments. On this episode, pianist Jason shares his introduction to Trane and more.
Tracks used in this episode:
"Trinkle Tinkle"
"Nutty"
"Giant Steps
"Countdown"
"One Down, One Up"
Legendary drummer Jimmy Cobb takes us back to 1960 and playing behind Miles and Coltrane on the classic track "So What."
Tracks used in this episode:
• "So What"
The pianist Geri Allen profoundly defines John Coltrane and also talks about the great McCoy Tyner.
Tracks used in this episode:
"After The Rain"
"Vilia"
"Impressions"
"Resolution"
Pianist and renowned Coltrane biographer Lewis Porter delivers an intimate and insightful commentary on the selection "Psalm" from A Love Supreme.
Tracks used in this episode:
• "Psalm"
The Traneumentary journey began with a visit with McCoy Tyner in the summer of 2006 so it only seems fitting that McCoy closes the series. Here, McCoy talks emotionally about his experiences with his late friend and mentor John Coltrane.
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"
Over the past decade since it's launch the Traneumentary's episodes have been listened and downloaded nearly 1 million times (and still counting). The series is used in countless music schools and continues to be a constant source of much inspiration and enjoyment all around the world. Thank you for supporting and continuing to listen to the Traneumentary.
- Joseph Vella, March 2017
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.
Tracks used in this episode:
• "I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free"
