100 years after John Coltrane’s birth, secret tapes are emerging. What can they tell us about jazz’s great rulebreaker?
Newly discovered secret recordings of jazz legend John Coltrane are shedding light on his transition toward free jazz in the mid-1960s. These tapes capture a pivotal era in his career when he moved away from mainstream success to explore experimental sounds.
Why it matters
Coltrane remains a foundational figure in jazz history, and these recordings provide rare insight into the creative evolution of one of music's most influential artists.
In an unsentimental mood … John Coltrane performs at Newport Jazz Festival in 1966. Photograph: Gai Terrell/Redferns In an unsentimental mood … John Coltrane performs at Newport Jazz Festival in 1966. Photograph: Gai Terrell/Redferns John Coltrane 100 years after John Coltrane’s birth, secret tapes are emerging. What can they tell us about jazz’s great rulebreaker? The sax star turned his back on fame to embrace free jazz. Caught on a tape machine hidden in an overcoat, newly revealed recordings show how he did it
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