News Summary
A sold-out concert at Crosstown Arts celebrated the music of jazz legend John Coltrane, led by saxophonist Art Edmaiston. The tribute showcased a diverse range of Coltrane’s works, reflecting his profound influence on the genre. Local musicians came together to pay homage to Coltrane’s legacy, highlighting the vibrant jazz scene in Memphis. The event is a part of a series aimed at interpreting jazz classics, with further tributes anticipated in the coming months.
Memphis Musicians Pay Tribute to John Coltrane in Sold-Out Concert at Crosstown Arts
Memphis, TN โ A tribute concert honoring jazz legend John Coltrane took place at Crosstown Arts, drawing a sold-out audience. The event was part of a monthly series organized by Strictly Jazz Entertainment, led by promoter Dennis Adams, in collaboration with Crosstown Arts. This concert focused not only on Coltraneโs most famous works but also on the extensive range of his music.
Art Edmaiston, a well-respected saxophonist known for his long tenure with Gregg Allman, was enlisted to lead the tribute. Initially, Edmaiston expressed hesitation about taking on the role, citing Coltraneโs immense influence on jazz as a formidable challenge. However, he ultimately accepted the opportunity, recognizing Coltrane’s profound impact on his own musical journey.
Edmaistonโs connection to jazz began at the age of 15 after witnessing Branford Marsalis perform Coltraneโs iconic piece, โGiant Steps,โ on television. This experience inspired him to delve deeper into jazz music, particularly Coltraneโs work. After relocating to Memphis in 1990 for his studies at the University of Memphis, Edmaiston further immersed himself in Coltrane’s music, evolving as an artist in the process.
The concert featured a thoughtfully curated setlist that encompassed various elements of Coltraneโs catalog. Instead of solely focusing on the artistโs well-known pieces, Edmaiston aimed to showcase a variety of songs, including collaborations, modal pieces, romantic ballads, and selections that highlight Coltraneโs influence on blues music. Edmaiston’s band included talented local musicians such as Gerald Stephens on piano, Logan Hanna on guitar, Tim Goodwin on acoustic bass, and Chad Anderson on drums. The inclusion of electric guitar was a deliberate choice to add a modern touch while still reflecting Coltraneโs distinctive sound.
The concert not only honored Coltraneโs music but also sought to create a balanced representation of his musical legacy and the personal resonance of his songs. With doors opening at 6:30 p.m. and the show commencing at 7 p.m., attendees were eagerly prepared to experience a night full of jazz.
Despite the concert being sold out, there was a possibility of a limited number of standing-room tickets becoming available on the day of the event, offering a chance for latecomers to enjoy the tribute. The success of the concert series has already set the stage for future events, including an anticipated tribute to guitarist Grant Green scheduled for May 12.
Edmaiston commended the Strictly Jazz and Crosstown series as an excellent platform that provides local musicians with the opportunity to present their contemporary interpretations of the jazz genre. The series has garnered significant attention and enthusiasm within the community, celebrating the rich jazz heritage and the ongoing influence of artists like Coltrane.
The concert at Crosstown Arts not only served as a tribute to John Coltrane, a pivotal figure in the development of jazz, but also highlighted the vibrant talent within Memphisโs music scene. As local artists continue to honor and reinterpret jazz classics, the cultural significance of such events remains an important aspect of the city’s artistic identity.
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Additional Resources
- Memphis Flyer: Sonic Explorers
- Wikipedia: John Coltrane
- Commercial Appeal: Local Musicians Celebrate John Coltrane
- Google Search: John Coltrane
- Commercial Appeal: John Coltrane Tribute Concert
- Google Scholar: John Coltrane Jazz
- Encyclopedia Britannica: John Coltrane
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
