London Jazz Orchestra Vortex Sessions – Coltrane at 100: Africa/Brass

Doors 3:30 PM, Music 4:00 PM – 2 sets of music

About

On 1 September 1961 Impulse! Records released John Coltrane’s first large-scale recording, Africa/Brass, featuring his working quintet including Eric Dolphy, framed by a large ensemble of brass instruments. As Gil Evans was unavailable, Dolphy and McCoy Tyner created the arrangements, expanding the freedom of the small group into a larger aural palette. While the arrangements by the young players demonstrated more aspiration than experience, Coltrane and group’s playing was truly inspired. LJO director Scott Stroman has revisited and expanded the arrangements for jazz orchestra, adding an orchestral version of Coltane’s Naima, recorded around the same time.

Africa/Brass is preceded by a set featuring vocalist Brigitte Beraha.