“When you interview over 30 diverse people about an artist who has been gone for nearly 40 years, you realize that this isn’t just some artist who plays the saxophone well. This is an artist who was on a mission that was deeper and greater than we could have ever imagined. He was not just playing jazz, he was not just improvising—he was pushing the…

The Traneumentary’s journey started in the summer of 2006 with a visit to McCoy Tyner at New York’s famed Blue Note jazz club. After McCoy’s first set, I met him in his dressing room and gave him an overview of the series and asked if he would be interested in participating. Although he was unaware of podcasts and blogs, he understood the importanc…

We launch the Traneumentary 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. On this episode, Terence talks about his introduction to John Coltrane and co…

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 Black…

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 on jazz artists and recordings plus, he is one of the owners of the phenom niche label, Mosaic Records. On our first Traneumentary commentary episode, Michael shares his rich views on one of Coltran…

Dave Schroeder, the Director of the NYU Jazz Studies program, presents a dynamic portrait of John Coltrane. Aside from running one of the best jazz education programs in the states, he is also an accomplished musician who plays regularly with his band Combo Nuvo in the New York City area. Throughout the production of the Traneumentary, Dave, along …

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, …

Grammy-nominated vocalist Karrin Allyson has been churning out one great recording after another 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 …

One of the most recognizable tenor saxophonists over the last 30 years, Lenny Pickett turned heads working in the famous 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…

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 commentary episode, Jason walks us through the track “Monk’s Mood” taken from the historic At Carnegie Hall recording and explains the musical magic between Trane an…

Writer Ashley Kahn is a renowned authority on the artistry of John Coltrane. He has extensively researched the master for his notable books: 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 this episode, Ashley puts Coltran…

Producer and jazz authority Michael Cuscuna shares his fond memories of seeing the John Coltrane Quartet perform live. Michael gives his front row account in this must listen episode. Tracks used in this episode: • “Spiritual” • “Alabama” • “Ascension” • "Transition”Von Michael Cuscuna

Michael Cuscuna takes us inside the famous New York jazz spot Birdland circa 1961 and comments on the quartet's historic recording of Afro Blue. Tracks used in this episode: • “Afro Blue”Von Michael Cuscuna

The great saxophonist Dave Liebman reveals his personal story of witnessing John Coltrane live and how that experience changed his life. He shares his deep and thoughtful perspectives on Coltrane’s artistic place in the world. Tracks used in this episode: • “My Favorite Things” (Live) • “Naima” (Live)…

On this episode, drummer Anton Fig describes his introduction into the music of John Coltrane and also discusses the brilliant drumming of the master Elvin Jones. Tracks used in this episode: • “Kulu Se Mama” • “The Drum Thing” • “Resolution”Von Anton Fig

Critically acclaimed and charismatic saxophonist Joshua Redman shares his story of discovering John Coltrane. Tracks used in this episode: • “Acknowledgement” • “Crescent” • “Wise One”Von Joshua Redman

Sonny Rollins is a legendary musical force, and like Trane, continues to inspire with his masterful improvisations and amazing wizardry on the saxophone. Sonny is a true legend who had great respect forJohn Coltrane and also shared a beautiful friendship with him. In 1956, Sonny and Trane recorded a track entitled “Tenor Madness” - the only recordi…

On the episode, Robert Glasper talks about McCoy Tyner’s influence as well as his introduction into John Coltrane’s music. Tracks used in this episode: • "Welcome" • “Love” • “Acknowledgement” • “Lonnie's Lament”Von Robert Glasper

Dave Liebman comments on one of his all-time favorite John Coltrane Quartet tracks "Crescent." Tracks used in this episode: • “Crescent”Von Dave Liebman

The honorable 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 composer in his own right as well as one of the premier educators of the music. Billy created the successful Jazz Mobile and the Jaz…

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” • “…

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"Von Joe Lovano

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 recordin…

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"Von Charlie Tolliver

Ashley Kahn brilliantly breaks down the Trane classic "A Love Supreme." Tracks used in this episode: • "A Love Supreme"Von Ashley Kahn

Anton Fig talks Elvin Jones and drumming on the classic "A Love Supreme." Tracks used in this episode: • "A Love Supreme"Von Anton Fig

Dave Schroeder fondly discusses the beauty "Lush Life" from the Johnny Hartman/John Coltrane album. Tracks used in this episode: • "Lush Life"Von Dave Schroeder

Saxophonist Lenny Pickett breaks down his favorite Coltrane track "Expression." Tracks used on this episode: • "Expression"Von Lenny Pickett

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"Von Jimmy Cobb

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"Von Geri Allen

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"Von Lewis Porter

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"…

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 Traneu…