Aaron Parks & Walter Smith III

Playing the Ballads of and by John Coltrane

John Coltrane’s free jazz of the 1960s is widely celebrated, but there is so much more to discover. His lyrical ballads are equally captivating. Whether alongside Tadd Dameron, Duke Ellington or his own quartet – as on the 1963 album Ballads – Coltrane refined a deeply personal and intimate sound. The recordings usually required only one take, since the notes flowed effortlessly through the saxophone. On Bozar’s initiative, pianist Aaron Parks and saxophonist Walter Smith III are touring with John Coltrane’s ballads. Parks, who had our Terarken Hall dancing in 2024, opts for tranquillity this time round. His Blue Note colleague Walter Smith III has frequently performed by his side and now delves into Trane’s softer repertoire. Keen to get to know John and Alice Coltrane better? Then come and explore our Coltrane & Coltrane focus series.