John Coltrane (1926–1967)

The documentary is narrated by Ed Wheeler and directed by Robert Palmer and Toby Byron. Because Coltrane died from liver disease in 1967, there isn't that much footage available and I sense they were struggling to find source material. Hence the reliance on reminiscences and lots of fancy zooms on stills. There is rare footage of Coltrane playing alto saxophone whilst in the Navy, and a few excerpts from concert and studio performances. Most of the footage is in black and white, apart from an excerpt of Coltrane's last quartet (featuring wife Alice Coltrane on piano and Rashied Ali on drums) performing in concert in colour.… (meer)

This new DVD exploring and celebrating the life of saxophone great John Coltrane features new interviews along with classic concert footage. Interviews with McCoy Tyner, Elvin Jones, Ron Carter, Benny Bailey, and Eddie Marshall shed considerable light on the man. Features footage of Coltrane on: So What (with Miles Davis); Afro Blue; Alabama; Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye; Naima; Impressions; Impressions (featuring Eric Dolphy); My Favorite Things; and My Favorite Things (featuring Eric Dolphy). Also includes video clips of Miles Davis, Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, Johnny Hodges, Lester Young, Coleman Hawkins, Thelonious Monk, Art Ensemble of Chicago, and Elvin Jones Quartet.… (meer)