Debuted in 2007, the Traneumentary was a pioneering documentary podcast series celebrating the artistry and recordings of John Coltrane. An illustrious collection of guests including Jimmy Cobb, McCoy Tyner, Sonny Rollins and many more share their personal accounts of John Coltrane and his music.
“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 limits of himself, his instrument, his music, and his spirit." - Joseph Vella, PopMatters 2007
Debuted in 2007, the Traneumentary was a pioneering documentary podcast series devoted to the artistry and recordings of John Coltrane. The series was produced by Joseph Vella and ran in weekly installments throughout the year. An illustrious collection of guests including Jimmy Cobb, McCoy Tyner, Sonny Rollins and many more share their personal accounts of John Coltrane and his music.
The Traneumentary was the first podcast series devoted to a legendary musical artist combining in-depth personal narratives and track commentaries. United by a deep respect and love for Coltrane’s legacy, the series remains the only collaborative effort involving the joint support of four major record labels: Prestige, Blue Note, Impulse and Atlantic.
Introduced in the "Pursuits" column of the Wall St Journal, the series was highly ranked by numerous music sites. It was featured on NPR, in the Los Angeles Times and selected as a top podcast series of 2007 by iTunes. Join us as we celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the groundbreaking Traneumentary.
The Traneumentary Story
In the summer of 2006, I was contacted by Concord Records to create a podcast episode on a John Coltrane box set entitled Fearless Leader. After reviewing the material, I felt would be nearly impossible, and somewhat a disservice, to create a single podcast episode on such an intense and profound artist. Having spent countless hours listening to Coltrane myself, I knew his essence transcended the music and left something deeper within those who embraced it. I had a bigger and better plan to introduce Coltrane to the emerging podcast audience and proceeded to contact my record label colleagues at Atlantic, Blue Note and Impulse. I told them about Concord’s request and suggested a way we could all work together. I wanted to celebrate and introduce the great music of John Coltrane through his most famous recordings but also through personal stories and accounts from a variety of musicians, producers, writers and educators. Within thirty minutes, the Traneumentary was born.
Track excerpts used in this episode:
• "I Want To Talk About You" • "On Green Dolphin Street" • "My Favorite Things" • "Acknowledgement" • "My One & Only Love"
Greetings from McCoy Tyner
Mar 19, 2017
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 importance of celebrating and expanding the legacy of John Coltrane to a new and digital-savvy audience. He immediately agreed and then recorded the special greeting contained on this episode. Later in this series, you will hear McCoy talk about his personal relationship with Coltrane as well as the amazing experience he had playing with the famous John Coltrane Quartet.
Track excerpts used in this episode: • "Lonnie's Lament"
Terence Blanchard
Mar 18, 2017
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 comments on the saxophonist's innovation and lasting impact.
Track excerpts used in this episode: • "Trane’s Blues” • "Four" • "Acknowledgement" • "I Want To Talk About You" • "Afro Blue" • "Chasin' The Trane"
Jimmy Cobb
Mar 17, 2017
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 Blackhawk. While Trane was recording various sessions for the Prestige label, he recruited Jimmy to play on several. On this episode, Jimmy recounts working and recording with John Coltrane.
Tracks used in this episode: • “Love Thy Neighbor” • “My Ideal” • “I’m A Dreamer, Aren’t We All” • “Invitation” • “Spring Is Here”
Michael Cuscuna (commentary)
Mar 16, 2017
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 Coltrane’s finest compositions and recordings as a leader – “Blue Train.”
Tracks used on this episode: • "Blue Train"
Dave Schroeder
Mar 15, 2017
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 with renowned Coltrane biographer Lewis Porter, played a key role as an advisor. On this episode, Dave shares his early experiences hearing Trane and also provides an enriched examination of key elements that made John Coltrane unique and so powerful.
Tracks used in this episode: • “Lazy Bird” • “Om” • “My Favorite Things” • “Lover” • “Too Young To Go Steady” • “Venus”
Joel Dorn
Mar 14, 2017
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, he describes the Coltrane Quartet “live” experience as well as the saxophonist’s funeral.
Tracks used in this episode: • “My Favorite Things” • “Village Blues” • “Giant Steps” • “Central Park West” • “Ole” • “Naima” • “Equinox”
Karrin Allyson
Mar 13, 2017
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 classic Ballads album along with a few added Trane inspired pieces. The album was a critically acclaimed success. On this episode, Karrin shares the story of her first experience listening to John Coltrane as well as adds her perspective on his music and artistry from the point of view of a vocalist.
Tracks used in this episode: • “Lonnie’s Lament” • “Everytime We Say Goodbye” • “Traneing in”
Lenny Pickett
Mar 12, 2017
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 and pop artists including David Bowie, Elton John and the Talking Heads. He also serves on the faculty of NYU Jazz Studies.
Tracks used in this episode: “Tunji” “Offering” “Big Nick” “Too Young To Go Steady” “Expression” “Out of the World"
Jason Moran (commentary)
Mar 11, 2017
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 and Monk.
Tracks used in this episode: • “Dear Lord” • “Wise One”
Michael Cuscuna
Mar 09, 2017
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”
Michael Cuscuna (commentary)
Mar 08, 2017
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”
Dave Liebman
Mar 07, 2017
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)
Anton Fig
Mar 06, 2017
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”
Joshua Redman
Mar 05, 2017
Critically acclaimed and charismatic saxophonist Joshua Redman shares his story of discovering John Coltrane.
Tracks used in this episode: • “Acknowledgement” • “Crescent” • “Wise One”
Sonny Rollins
Mar 04, 2017
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 recording featuring the two brilliant saxophonists. On this episode, Sonny reflects on that recording, meeting Trane and their friendship.
Tracks used in this episode: “Tenor Madness”
Special thanks to Bret Primack for conducting this interview.
Robert Glasper
Mar 03, 2017
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”
Dave Liebman (commentary)
Mar 02, 2017
Dave Liebman comments on one of his all-time favorite John Coltrane Quartet tracks "Crescent."
Tracks used in this episode: • “Crescent”
Dr. Billy Taylor
Mar 01, 2017
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 Jazz and July Series @ University of Massachusetts. Dr. Taylor had the opportunity to hang out with John Coltrane at Birdland and discuss music, artistic influences and life. On this special Traneumentary episode, he lets us in on those encounters.
Tracks used in this episode: • "Time After Time" • “In A Sentimental Mood” • “Something I Dreamed Last Night” • “The Inch Worm”
Joe Lovano
Feb 28, 2017
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"
Joe Lovano (commentary)
Feb 27, 2017
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"
Lewis Porter
Feb 26, 2017
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"
Steve Kuhn
Feb 25, 2017
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"
Charles Tolliver
Feb 24, 2017
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 (commentary)
Feb 23, 2017
Ashley Kahn brilliantly breaks down the Trane classic "A Love Supreme."
Tracks used in this episode:
• "A Love Supreme"
Anton Fig (commentary)
Feb 22, 2017
Anton Fig talks Elvin Jones and drumming on the classic "A Love Supreme."
Tracks used in this episode:
• "A Love Supreme"
Dave Schroeder (commentary)
Feb 21, 2017
Dave Schroeder fondly discusses the beauty "Lush Life" from the Johnny Hartman/John Coltrane album.
Tracks used in this episode:
• "Lush Life"
Lenny Pickett (commentary)
Feb 20, 2017
Saxophonist Lenny Pickett breaks down his favorite Coltrane track "Expression."
Tracks used on this episode:
• "Expression"
Jason Moran
Feb 19, 2017
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"
Jimmy Cobb (commentary)
Feb 18, 2017
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"
Geri Allen
Feb 17, 2017
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"
Lewis Porter (commentary)
Feb 16, 2017
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"
McCoy Tyner
Feb 15, 2017
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"
A decade later ...
Feb 13, 2017
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.
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
Stay Connected
