I have many influential musical mentors in my life and perhaps topping the list is John Coltrane. His music and equally as important the reason he played music resonates deeply with my way of exploring music. He played as a form of spiritual meditation and his quartet shaped an entire era of jazz.
First, in the mid 1950’s he played in Miles’ band and later in the early ’60's he formed his own group with McCoy Tyner on piano. I love the whole timeline of Coltrane and on this album we explore some of his early compositions traversing through to his later modal masterpieces. We bop the bee on “Some Other Blues” and “Giant Steps,” slow it down with “Naima” and “Wise One,” and even include a song I wrote back in 1985 and recorded on the “Na Pali Coast” album called “Coltrane.”
Thanks for listening…
Peter Sprague
August, 2023
Peter Sprague — guitar
Tripp Sprague — sax, flute, and harmonica
Justin Grinnell — bass
John Opferkuch — piano
Duncan Moore — drums, vibes
Produced by Peter Sprague
Recorded at SpragueLand Studios, Encinitas, CA / 2023
Recorded, mixed and mastered by Peter Sprague at SpragueLand Studios
Cover art concept by Peter Sprague and Stefanie Sprague
Special thanks to Yuris Zeltins, Andy Powers, D’Addario Strings, and Iron Horse Amps
1) Wise One
music by John Coltrane
arranged by Peter Sprague
2) Some Other Blues
music by John Coltrane
arranged by Peter Sprague
3) In A Sentimental Mood
music by Duke Ellington
arranged by Peter Sprague
4) Miles Mode
music by John Coltrane
arranged by Peter Sprague
5) Naima
music by John Coltrane
arranged by Peter Sprague
6) Coltrane
music by Peter Sprague
7) My One and Only Love
music by Guy Wood and Robert Mellin
arranged by Peter Sprague
8) Giant Steps
music by John Coltrane
arranged by Peter Sprague