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The Coltrane Symposium Returns
Sep 15, 2021
The John Coltrane Symposium 2021
September 22th - 25th, 2021
At Various Venues / Philadelphia, PA
The John Coltrane Symposium, coordinated by Dr. Anyabwile Love is a multi-day affair, a call to gather, to celebrate, dialogue and share testimony, insights and questions about the great Philadelphia Jazz icon, John Coltrane. The general public is invited. From those who are Coltrane afficiandoes, to the uninitiated are encouraged to take part.
Philadelphia native Anyabwile Love is a African American Studies professor. He received his Ph.D. in Africana Studies from Temple University, in May 2014. His dissertation focused on the KiKongo cosmology and the life & music of John Coltrane. Currently, he is an Assistant Professor of History at the Community College of Philadelphia.
PJP spoke with historian, Dr. Anyabwile Love about the upcoming symposium.
PJP: What have you been up to since your 2019 John Coltrane Symposium?
Anyabwile Love: Since the 2019 John Coltrane Symposium (JCS), it seems the world has turned upside down. I've spent the time reflecting on the success and challenges of the first JCS and how to improve upon it. The silver lining in it all is that the halt we had to put on the 2020 JCS, allowed us to think and plan more broadly for this year's events and concerts.
PJP: Why is John Coltrane still important now?
Anyabwile Love: John Coltrane remains a force for real good. Here in the year of what would have been his 95th birthday I am still learning about him through his music, his ideas and how his descendants: saxophonist Ravi Coltrane (his son) in particular continues to honor and carry out both John & Alices' legacy and beliefs. Coltrane will forever remain an inspiration and beacon for my life.
PJP: Tell us a little about why you wanted to do this Coltrane Symposium?
Anyabwile Love: The goal remains to add to the conversation of those who endeavor to keep Coltrane "alive" for current and future generations. The JCS was inspired by my brief talk with Alice Coltrane who told me to study Trane's spirituality as a way to understand him and his music more. I see the JCS as one way in that direction. As well, I was inspired by other organzations, such as the Trane Stop here in Philly and the work that Dr. Leonard Brown and the John Coltrane Memorial Concert has been doing since 1976.
PJP: Tell us some more about the upcoming events and the folk working with you?
Anyabwile Love: This year's JCS is four days full of music, art and discussions. Our opening night on Wednesday Sept 22nd will feature Odean Pope with alto saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins and drummer Chad Taylor. We will celebrate Coltrane's 95th birthday at the Discovery Center-just steps from his house on 33rd Street-with trombonist Brent White and pianist Farid Barron on Thursday the 23rd. I am most excited this year to bring three authors on Coltrane together as part of our panels on Sept 25th. Two of which: Dr. C.O. Simpkins and Bill Cole wrote two of the first three bios on Coltrane back in 1975 & '76.
PJP: How would you say that both you and the concept for this project have grown since we last experienced it?
Anyabwile Love: Mannn, ha! It's been a steep learning curve. Year one was one day-a full day albeit-but just one day. I supported the efforts of the JCS in '19 completely out of pocket. It was free to all in 2019 and with the exception of our fundraiser dinner curated by Chef Omar Tate on Friday the 24th all events remain free this year as well. That being said, this year has dramatically scaled up so I have had to learn much more about curating an entire production. I have had great support. In particular from Ars Nova Workshop, as well as the good folk at The Woodlands and the Discovery Center. Without them and the constant support of my wife, Shivon this year would not have been possible.
PJP: How can folks find out more about this year’s John Coltrane Symposium?
Anyabwile Love: All information about this year's John Coltrane Symposium as well as itinerary, registration locations and donations can be found at our website: COLTRANE SYMPOSIUM
We hope to see you all out!
(Alice Coltrane and Anyabwile Love)
ABOUT COLTRANE:
John William Coltrane, also called Trane, was one of the most celebrated jazz saxophonists and composers in America in the mid-20th century. He was surrounded by music from his early childhood; but became immersed in it when he lost his father at the age of 13, often practicing till three o’clock in the morning. However, he did not have any formal training until after the Second World War when he started studying Jazz theory with Dennis Sandole. Concurrently, he began to play with different bands, first as an alto saxophonist and later as a tenor saxophonist. His breakthrough came when he moved New York City at the age of 29 at the invitation of Miles Davis, subsequently establishing himself as a solo artist and leader of his own group, ‘John Coltrane Quartet’. In the last two years of his life, his works became more and more spiritual. Today, he is remembered as an icon of 20th century jazz.
The John Coltrane Symposium 2021
September 22th - 25th, 2021
At Various Venues / Philadelphia, PA
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Philadelphia Jazz Project is a sponsored project of CultureTrust Greater Philadelphia, with funding provided by The Philadelphia Foundation.
