Saxophonist John Coltrane would have turned 100 in 2026, and although it may sound a little cliché to say so, his star continues to shine brightly in the jazz firmament. He died at the age of 40 after recording 25 albums as a leader, leaving behind a musical legacy – as a performer and composer – that is not only unrivalled, but also deeply humanistic and spiritual. The Philharmonie Luxembourg felt duty-bound to celebrate this centenary, bringing together great artists and rising stars for four concerts dedicated to «Trane».
The saxophone naturally being the common thread running through this cycle, we begin with one of the instrument's rising stars, Isaiah Collier. Born in Chicago and now edging up on 30, he will be performing for the first time at the Salle de Musique de Chambre: a chance to display the expressive talent which, ever since his dazzling debut, has placed him among the worthy heirs of the master whom he claims as his inspiration, and with whom he shares a commitment to equality and social justice. This will be followed by two «all-star» evenings in the Grand Auditorium, the first of which will be led by Melissa Aldana and Joe Lovano. Two generations of saxophonists sharing the stage: a perfect opportunity to look back into the past while remaining anchored in the present in a world of timeless music. A week later, Dianne Reeves and Branford Marsalis will be topping the bill with a tribute to an album that their illustrious predecessor recorded in 1963 alongside Johnny Hartman, the only one featuring a vocalist as the leader. And it is with a nod to another Coltrane album, the gentle «Ballads», that Matthieu Bordenave and Michel Reis will bring these autumnal encounters to a close in an intimate setting.
As John Coltrane said at the end of his short life, «there are always new sounds to imagine». With his work to show us the way, the task will be that much easier.
Charlotte Brouard-Tartarin
Concert dates
