Arkadia Jazz: Thank You, John!

Culled from seven different late ’90s sessions recorded in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, the tracks assembled here in tribute to John Coltrane largely represent reactions to, rather than imitations of, the music of that incredibly influential innovator. As a consequence, the approaches taken by each of the concerned artists are expectedly varied. By far, the balance leans heavily toward the end of modern mainstream, what with Benny Golson’s warm-toned evocations of “Syeeda’s Song Flute” and his own “Touch Me Lightly;” Nova Bossa Nova’s “Moment’s Notice” and “The Night Has A Thousand Eyes,” featuring Claudio Roditi, Bob Mintzer, Eddie Monteiro et al.; Billy Taylor’s “Naima” and “Moment’s Notice;” Dave Liebman’s “My Favorite Things” and “I Want To Talk About You,” an Eckstine tune somewhat reminiscent of “Misty;” and pianist Ted Rosenthal’s provocative re-examination of “Giant Steps” as a ruminative ballad. Closing the set, though, is hip-hop group Red Time’s sampling of “Syeeda’s Song Flute,” which rapper Ethan Eubanks calls “Take The Trane.”

Originally Published June 1, 1998