Smart bet web extra: Jacob Rodriguez Quartet’s tribute to John Coltrane

John Coltrane in 1956. Photo by Francis Wolff.

Jazz legend John Coltrane once said, “To be a musician is really something. It goes very, very deep. My music is the spiritual expression of what I am — my faith, my knowledge, my being. … When you begin to see the possibilities of music, you desire to do something really good for people, to help humanity free itself from its hangups. … I want to speak to their souls.”

The North Carolina native achieved his aim when he took the world by storm in the 50s and 60s with his virtuosic improvisation and harmonically complex compositions. Early on in his career, Coltrane played alongside Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk, eventually branching off to form one of the most prolific ensembles in jazz history.

This weekend, the Jacob Rodriguez Quartet will pay a tribute to the master at Isis Music Hall & Restaurant. Jacob Rodriguez (saxophones), Bill Bares (piano), Zack Page (bass) and Michael Davis (drums) will touch on all phases of Coltrane’s career, which spanned bebop, hard bop, modal and free jazz.

The musicians take the stage Sunday, June 8, 8-11 p.m. Cover is $8/$4 for students and for musicians who have played the Sunday Jazz Showcase. The venue’s monthly Piano Trio Spotlight also takes place upstairs at 6 p.m. with a performance from Richard Shulman.

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About Lea McLellan
Lea McLellan is a freelance writer who likes to write stories about music, art, food, wellness and interesting locals doing interesting things.

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