"Chasing Trane" The John Coltrane Documentary 2016 , Sheet Music Library (PDF)

“Chasing Trane” The John Coltrane Documentary 2016.

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Chasing Trane: The John Coltrane Documentary is a 2016 American documentary film, written and directed by John Scheinfeld.

The film is about the life and career of American jazz saxophonist and composer John Coltrane.

The film premiered at the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival.

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Chasing Trane: The John Coltrane Documentary transcends the boundaries of musical cinema to become a profound tribute to one of the most influential and innovative musicians of the 20th century: John Coltrane. Directed by John Scheinfeld and released in 2016, this documentary offers an intimate and emotional exploration of the life, music, and legacy of the legendary jazz saxophonist.

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A Complex Portrait

John Coltrane is known not only for his saxophone virtuosity and technique, but also for his ability to transform jazz into a spiritual and emotional language. Chasing Trane examines Coltrane not only as a musician, but also as a complex human being, profoundly influenced by his life circumstances and spiritual quest.

Through interviews with family members, colleagues, contemporary musicians, and admirers (including figures such as Sonny Rollins, Kamasi Washington, and Bill Clinton), the documentary reveals previously unknown aspects of Coltrane: his childhood in North Carolina, his struggle with inner demons, his addiction, and his subsequent transformation after discovering spirituality.

The Coltrane Narrative, Narrated by Denzel Washington

One of director Scheinfeld’s most captivating decisions was to use Denzel Washington’s voice to narrate Coltrane’s writings and thoughts. This choice brings the musician’s words to life, adding an emotional weight that connects deeply with the viewer.

Washington lends his voice to Coltrane’s personal reflections on life, music, and transcendence, adding a dimension that further humanizes the jazz icon.

Music: The Heart of the Documentary

Music is, naturally, at the heart of Chasing Trane . Coltrane’s interpretations of pieces like “My Favorite Things , ” “A Love Supreme,” and “Giant Steps” are presented with a narrative that explains his cultural and musical impact.

The documentary details how Coltrane pushed the boundaries of conventional jazz into innovative new territory, blending genres and exploring new melodic structures. It also puts into perspective the social and political context in which Coltrane created his music, from the civil rights movements to his commitment to conveying a universal message of hope and unity.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

Chasing Trane not only celebrates Coltrane’s music but also highlights his cultural impact. His album A Love Supreme , for example, is presented as a spiritual masterpiece that transcended jazz to become a manifesto of faith and redemption.

The documentary also explores how Coltrane, an African American man in segregated America, used his music as a form of resistance and expression of his identity. Songs like “Alabama ,” composed in response to the racist attack on a Birmingham church in 1963, exemplify his commitment to social justice.

Reflections of Contemporary Musicians

The testimony of artists such as Kamasi Washington and Wynton Marsalis shows how Coltrane’s legacy continues to inspire today’s generations. These musicians highlight Coltrane’s ability to connect with the depths of the human soul, recalling that his music was not only technically complex but also deeply emotional and spiritual.

A Transformative Cinematic Experience

Chasing Trane is not simply a documentary about music; it’s a journey toward understanding a man whose life and work continue to inspire. With immersive storytelling and cinematography that captures both the historical context and Coltrane’s essence, the documentary offers a transformative experience for jazz fans and anyone interested in the power of music to change the world.

Conclusion: Coltrane, Beyond Time

Through Chasing Trane , John Coltrane is revealed not only as a musical genius, but as a visionary whose work transcends genres, eras, and borders. His tireless pursuit of truth through music remains a beacon of inspiration for musicians, artists, and dreamers around the world.

This documentary is an invitation not only to get to know the man behind the saxophone, but also to rediscover the transformative power of art and spirituality in times of adversity. Chasing Trane is a testament to how Coltrane not only changed jazz, but also our understanding of what it means to be truly human.

Chasing Trane: The John Coltrane Documentary was nominated for a Black Reel Awards in the category of Outstanding Documentary Feature.

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John Coltrane (short bio)

John William Coltrane (September 23, 1926 – July 17, 1967) was an American jazz saxophonist, bandleader, and composer. He is among the most influential and acclaimed figures in the history of jazz and 20th-century music.

Born and raised in North Carolina, after graduating from high school Coltrane moved to Philadelphia, where he studied music. Working in the bebop and hard bop idioms early in his career, Coltrane helped pioneer the use of modes and was one of the players at the forefront of free jazz. He led at least fifty recording sessions and appeared on many albums by other musicians, including trumpeter Miles Davis and pianist Thelonious Monk. Over the course of his career, Coltrane’s music took on an increasingly spiritual dimension, as exemplified on his most acclaimed album A Love Supreme (1965) and others.

Decades after his death, Coltrane remains influential, and he has received numerous posthumous awards, including a special Pulitzer Prize, and was canonized by the African Orthodox Church.

His second wife was pianist and harpist Alice Coltrane. The couple had three children: John Jr., a bassist; Ravi (born 1965), a saxophonist; and Oran (born 1967), a saxophonist, guitarist, drummer, and singer.

Selected discography

Main article on Wikipedia: John Coltrane discography

The discography below lists albums conceived and approved by Coltrane as a leader during his lifetime.

It does not include his many releases as a side man, sessions assembled into albums by various record labels after Coltrane’s contract expired, sessions with Coltrane as a side man later reissued with his name featured more prominently. Or posthumous compilations. Except for the one he approved before his death. See main discography link above for full list.

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