Visions: A Tribute to John Coltrane

I return to my usual programming this week to bring a special Visions episode all about John Coltrane. It was Trane’s would-be 98th birthday on Monday, so I would be remiss if I didn’t do an entire episode dedicated to the visionary bandleader, composer and improviser.

Throughout this episode I play quintessential John Coltrane selections, but I also play songs where Coltrane is a band member. This includes selections from Thelonious Monk, Pepper Adams, Miles Davis, Gene Ammons (where Coltrane is on ALTO!), and Cannonball Adderley. I do a few selections where the song is about Trane: Alice Coltrane, Clifford Jordan and Elvin Jones’ tracks all fit that category. And finally, there’s a record that Trane produced which is the selection from Archie Shepp.

The last thing I want to highlight about this episode is the one song that doesn’t fit the Coltrane theme: Stablemates by Benny Golson. Golson — saxophonist, bandleader, composer and arranger — died on Sept. 21. He was 95 years old. He influenced many artists and left a legacy beyond just recordings of him: he composed many songs that are now standard jazz tunes. Rest in Power to Benny Golson!

Check out the playlist below and listen to the episode on-demand for two weeks after it airs using the media player above.

Visions Playlist for Sept. 9, 2024

• “Giant Steps” – John Coltrane
• “Dear John C.” – Elvin Jones*
• “Stablemates” – Benny Golson
• “Ruby My Dear” – Thelonious Monk & John Coltrane
• “Equinox” – John Coltrane
• “Mary’s Blues” – Pepper Adams*
• “Freddie Freeloader” – Miles Davis
• “Groove Blues” – Gene Ammons All Stars
• “My Favorite Things” – John Coltrane
• “John Coltrane” – Clifford Jordan Quartet
• “You’re a Weaver of Dreams” – Cannonball Adderley Quintet
• “Mr. Syms” – Archie Shepp
• “Chim Chim Cheree” – John Coltrane Quartet
• “Something About John Coltrane” – Alice Coltrane*