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The Essay

Kevin Le Gendre takes five pivotal blues performances by John Coltrane and uses them as a springboard to explore and meditate on Coltrane's relationship to wider themes.

Radio 3,5 episodes

Episodes

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Coltrane's Sound
Saul Williams
Hip-hop musician and poet Saul Williams explores the music of saxophonist John Coltrane.
25 Sep 2026,14 mins
Coltrane's Sound
Lakecia Benjamin
Saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin explains how she is inspired by the music of John Coltrane.
24 Sep 2026,14 mins
Coltrane's Sound
Carlos Santana
Carlos Santana remembers how he was inspired by the spiritual jazz of John Coltrane.
23 Sep 2026,14 mins
Coltrane's Sound
Archie Shepp
Legendary jazz musician Archie Shepp remembers his friend and mentor John Coltrane.
22 Sep 2026,14 mins
Coltrane's Sound
Steve Reich
Ashley Kahn speaks to the composer Steve Reich about the music of John Coltrane.
21 Sep 2026,14 mins