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Hip-hop musician and spoken word poet Saul Williams speaks about his love for the music of saxophonist John Coltrane. Presented by Ashley Kahn.

The sound of the jazz musician John Coltrane can be many things: urgent, joyful, contemplative and deeply spiritual. This year marks the 100th anniversary of Coltrane’s birth. During his career, his music revolutionised jazz but also enriched many other styles of music.

For The Essay, music historian Ashley Kahn meets some of the world’s greatest musicians and composers from classical music, jazz, hip-hop and rock to explore how Coltrane’s sound changed their work.

In this episode, acclaimed hip-hop musician and spoken word poet Saul Williams reflects on what he has learned from Coltrane.

Presenter: Ashley Kahn
Executive Producer: Leo Hornak
Editor: Cathy FitzGerald
Sound Designer: Mike Woolley

An Ictus Media Production for BBC Radio 3.

Release date:

14 minutes

On radio

Friday21:45

Broadcast

  • Friday21:45

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