Branford Marsalis brings Coltrane tribute to Jack Singer with Dianne Reeves
The saxophonist performs a "Celebration of John Coltrane" October 14, reimagining the 1963 album with vocalist Dianne Reeves on a record that remains one of jazz's greatest vocal collaborations.
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Branford Marsalis initially resisted making a Coltrane record for the centennial of the jazz legend's birth. When his manager suggested one because "everybody else is doing one," the saxophonist pushed back: "I said, 'Well, that's a reason not to do it.'"
But once Marsalis committed, he chose an unconventional path. Rather than wade through Coltrane's avant-garde innovations, he focused on one outlier album: 1963's "John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman." It remains one of the greatest jazz vocal records of all time, yet it is the only album Coltrane made with a vocalist.
At the time, Coltrane's avant-garde work was drawing criticism from reviewers, and his producer suggested he offer something more accessible. Hartman, a crooner not particularly well-known then, seemed an unusual pairing on paper—and Hartman was reportedly reluctant to sign on. Yet the album endures as a masterpiece.
Marsalis's new collaboration with veteran vocalist Dianne Reeves, released late last month on Blue Note as "Dedicated to You," is their first work together, though their paths nearly crossed decades ago. Both were once set to join jazz trumpeter Clark Terry's band, but Reeves had already left by the time Marsalis arrived in the late 1970s. They remained mutual admirers.
"She has a great instrument, and she has a great voice," Marsalis said in an interview. "She is a great storyteller. It allows us to do a lot of things in a performance setting."
Reeves, who grew up in Detroit listening to the Coltrane-Hartman album because her parents were devoted Hartman fans, brings her own deep connection to the material. On "Dedicated to You," she performs six songs from the original, including Irving Berlin's "They Say It's Wonderful" and Billy Strayhorn's "Lush Life." The Branford Marsalis Quartet—featuring pianist Joey Calderazzo, bassist Eric Revis and drummer Justin Faulkner—tackles Coltrane's instrumental compositions: "26-2," "Big Nick" and "Central Park West."
Marsalis discovered Coltrane later than many jazz musicians. At Berklee College of Music, he initially resisted the complexity of compositions like "Giant Steps." "I had strong opinions," he recalled. "I understand what it is now, but I couldn't articulate the point. I liked songs that had very strong melodies." His ear-training professor, Billy Pierce, urged him to explore Coltrane's quartet records instead. Marsalis walked to a nearby record store called Looney Tunes and picked up the first one—beginning a lifelong reckoning with the artist.
The "Celebration of John Coltrane" performance runs October 14 at Jack Singer Concert Hall.
The details
When and where is the Coltrane tribute concert?
The 'Celebration of John Coltrane' performance takes place on October 14 at Jack Singer Concert Hall.
Who are the main performers?
Branford Marsalis performs with vocalist Dianne Reeves, accompanied by the Branford Marsalis Quartet: pianist Joey Calderazzo, bassist Eric Revis, and drummer Justin Faulkner.
Which Coltrane album does this concert reimagine?
The concert reimagines 'John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman' from 1963, one of jazz's greatest vocal records, which was the only album Coltrane recorded with a vocalist.
