Chasing Trane: The John Coltrane Documentary

Saxophonist John Coltrane (1926-1967) is a legend – a musician possessed whose intense solos rejuvenated jazz. In , an array of people – including Sonny Rollins, Bill Clinton and contemporary star saxophonist Kamasi Washington – speak about what made Coltrane so special, both as a musician and a man. The documentary, with contributions from Coltrane biographer Lewis Porter and critic Ashley Kahn, covers the major aspects of his career, from being a novice in Dizzy Gillespie’s big band (1949-1951), to his two stints with trumpet player Miles Davis (including the classic recording from 1959), to forming his own famous quartet in 1961. Coltrane’s own words, taken from interviews and liner notes, are spoken by Denzel Washington. Coltrane’s biggest development as a saxophonist began when he quit drugs. His playing on both tenor and soprano sax became freer and he discovered his qualities as a composer. He became increasingly spiritual, dedicating 1965’s to God, and his subsequent work only grew in its ferocity and mysticism. After a Japanese tour in 1966, he died of liver cancer at 40.