The most influential jazz musician of the late 20th century, one of the greatest saxophonists of all time, and the pioneer of jazz without limits.
Despite a relatively brief career (he first came to notice as a sideman at age 29 in 1955, formally launched a solo career at 33 in 1960, and was dead at 40 in 1967), saxophonist John Coltrane was among the most important, and most controversial, figures in jazz. It seems amazing that his period of greatest activity was so short, not only because he recorded prolifically, but also because, taking advantage of his fame, the record companies that recorded him as a sideman in the 1950s frequently reissued those recordings under his name and there has been a wealth of posthumously released material as well. Since Coltrane was a protean player who changed his style radically over the course of his career, this has made for much confusion in his discography and in appreciations of his playing. There remains a critical divide between the adherents of his earlier, more conventional (if still highly imaginative) work and his later, more experimental work. No one, however, questions Coltrane's almost religious commitment to jazz or doubts his significance in the history of the music.
The Half Hollow Hill Library in Huntington NY in conjunction with The Coltrane Home in Dix Hill NY. Held a Happy Birthday John Coltrane event. with workshops, raffles, games, Community Jam session, prizes and a talk about the John Coltrane and the Coltrane Home. It was a wonderful event with an excellent turn out by kids and adults.
We hope to see you there next year!