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Coltrane: The Definitive Visual Celebration of the Legend
Not yet published
Expected 2 Jan 79The definitive photographic celebration of John Coltrane's life and music, featuring exclusive contributions written by Ravi Coltrane, Wayne Coyne, Dev Hynes, Phil Lesh, Julie Mehretu, Carlos Santana, and Patti Smith.John Coltrane's impact on music and culture has endured far beyond his prolific career and untimely death in 1967 at age forty. His masterful saxophone style and groundbreaking compositions profoundly affected the evolution of music for decades and continue to resonate across styles and genres to this day. This beautiful photography book offers an intimate and in-depth look at his life with two hundred expertly curated images of the legendary saxophonist and composer. Coltrane further explores John's musical legacy with an introduction by his son and fellow musician Ravi Coltrane along with stories from other musicians, artists, and writers who have been moved by his work.Coltrane is a visual celebration of one of the all-time great musicians, and a must-have for fans of John Coltrane, jazz, and music photography.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication January 2, 2079
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
My thanks to NetGalley and Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press for an advance copy of this book of photos and essays about a seminal force in Jazz music, a man who changed the idea of what not only what music could do, touching not just the mind and the heart, but also the soul.
Losing a parent means that there will always be questions that will never have answers. Neither my Mom, my brother or myself have any idea how my father, a Bronx Irish Catholic, developed a love of jazz music. Was it college, was it a friend, a chance concert, we will never know. He did like jazz, and other music, and when I worked at the music store always came in, when I wasn't working, he didn't want to bother me, and loved to hear everything we played. How he became so open, again is a mystery. I do know he loved John Coltrane, again why I don't know. The spiritual aspect, the way Coltrane's music made the body feel. I don't know. I only know what Coltrane has done for me. And this book reminds me both of the music, my father's appreciation for it, and what the future might hold when I can't answer questions any more either. Coltrane: The Definitive Visual Celebration of the Legend by his son Ravi Coltrane is a collection of photos familiar, new, behind the scenes and in front of the stage, with a collection of essays by fellow musicians about Coltrane's impact and legacy.
The book begins with a dream. A son, Ravi Coltrane dreaming of the man he never got to spend time with, John Coltrane, who died when Ravi was very young. This dream takes place during the year of 1966, on a college tour, a dream that awakens before the music starts. What follows are many photos, from the studio with people like Mile Davis. On stage with Coltrane's band all over the world. Chance encounters. Staged photos for publicity. Candid of the man at work, or creating something that only he can hear. Possible album covers, and pictures with his wife and musical collaborator, Alice Coltrane. Along with these photos are essays by various musicians who have been influenced by the music, from Phil Lesh of the Grateful Dead, Patti Smith, Carlos Santana, and Wayne Coyne of the Flaming Lips.
I really nice collection of photos. Some will be familiar, some have never really been shown before. There is a selection of photos for possible album covers, and a lot of stills of the band in the middle of a performance. The essays are apt, telling more of the influence the music had on the musicians, with a nice personal feeling. The musicians chosen are pretty diverse, along with a graphic artist, to fill things out. I liked the candid photos, the one's that show Coltrane not caring about cameras or people, just trying to work out the songs he heard in his head. Many of which were lost by his early passing. A really nice collection for fans of the man, and for fans of jazz music in general.
Losing a parent means that there will always be questions that will never have answers. Neither my Mom, my brother or myself have any idea how my father, a Bronx Irish Catholic, developed a love of jazz music. Was it college, was it a friend, a chance concert, we will never know. He did like jazz, and other music, and when I worked at the music store always came in, when I wasn't working, he didn't want to bother me, and loved to hear everything we played. How he became so open, again is a mystery. I do know he loved John Coltrane, again why I don't know. The spiritual aspect, the way Coltrane's music made the body feel. I don't know. I only know what Coltrane has done for me. And this book reminds me both of the music, my father's appreciation for it, and what the future might hold when I can't answer questions any more either. Coltrane: The Definitive Visual Celebration of the Legend by his son Ravi Coltrane is a collection of photos familiar, new, behind the scenes and in front of the stage, with a collection of essays by fellow musicians about Coltrane's impact and legacy.
The book begins with a dream. A son, Ravi Coltrane dreaming of the man he never got to spend time with, John Coltrane, who died when Ravi was very young. This dream takes place during the year of 1966, on a college tour, a dream that awakens before the music starts. What follows are many photos, from the studio with people like Mile Davis. On stage with Coltrane's band all over the world. Chance encounters. Staged photos for publicity. Candid of the man at work, or creating something that only he can hear. Possible album covers, and pictures with his wife and musical collaborator, Alice Coltrane. Along with these photos are essays by various musicians who have been influenced by the music, from Phil Lesh of the Grateful Dead, Patti Smith, Carlos Santana, and Wayne Coyne of the Flaming Lips.
I really nice collection of photos. Some will be familiar, some have never really been shown before. There is a selection of photos for possible album covers, and a lot of stills of the band in the middle of a performance. The essays are apt, telling more of the influence the music had on the musicians, with a nice personal feeling. The musicians chosen are pretty diverse, along with a graphic artist, to fill things out. I liked the candid photos, the one's that show Coltrane not caring about cameras or people, just trying to work out the songs he heard in his head. Many of which were lost by his early passing. A really nice collection for fans of the man, and for fans of jazz music in general.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I wasn’t prepared for how stunning and immersive this collection would be. The photography alone is incredible, full of intimate moments, powerful performances, and rare images that really make you feel connected to both the artist and the era. I loved how the book balanced visual storytelling with thoughtful essays. You can feel the care and passion poured into every page. Whether you’re a longtime jazz fan or just beginning to explore Coltrane’s music, this feels like an essential addition to any collection.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
John Coltrane
Is by my regard
THE best jass musician
Ever.
Perhaps he was not
The most
popular
Successful
Prolific.
He did create
What to my mind
Is the best jass
Piece ever.
Blue Train
The essence of jass
Distilled into
One piece of music.
It speaks to my soul.
That said
This book filled to the brim
With photos
Of Coltrane and
His contemporaries
Who are all legends
In their own right
Is nothing more
Than magical.
Also the pic of
Coltrane smoking a
Cigarette with one
Of those long black
Holders
May be the coolest
Thing ever.
Is by my regard
THE best jass musician
Ever.
Perhaps he was not
The most
popular
Successful
Prolific.
He did create
What to my mind
Is the best jass
Piece ever.
Blue Train
The essence of jass
Distilled into
One piece of music.
It speaks to my soul.
That said
This book filled to the brim
With photos
Of Coltrane and
His contemporaries
Who are all legends
In their own right
Is nothing more
Than magical.
Also the pic of
Coltrane smoking a
Cigarette with one
Of those long black
Holders
May be the coolest
Thing ever.
June 10, 2026
This is a great collection of photographs of John Coltrane along with members of his band! From his arrival in the late 1940’s, playing his saxophone, up to his death in the 1960’s, various photographers have portrayed his many moods. This book shows all of that! The photographs also capture his various bands. This is a book for fans of Coltrane. The essays are short and illuminating! It’s too bad he passed away young like his contemporary Wes Montgomery. Highly recommended!,
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
There are many exceptional shots in here, but also a predictable overemphasis on the kind of contemplative solo shots that ultimately wear down a reader. Well worth tracking down if you're a younger or recent Coltrane fan, and haven't poked through a book like this before. Personally, I would have liked to see many more wide action shots with his various bands.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews