ARKADIA JAZZ ALL-STARS: Thank You, John! (CD) Our Tribute to John Coltrane

“5 STARS! …”Thank You, John!” is a look at the sax genius’ music with stars from the (Arkadia) label. The variety of performers produces a range of approaches… …an album that will leave you humming – and respecting Coltrane.” – Bob Karlovits, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

This album, the “Arkadia Jazz All-Stars: Thank You, John! – Our Tribute to John Coltrane”, nominated for a Grammy Award for “My Favorite Things”, is a testament and tribute, from the elite Arkadia roster, to the awesome accomplishments and musicality of John Coltrane. From Bebop to Hip-Hop to Bossa Nova, all of the artists on this album have benefited from Saxophonist John Coltrane’s music, teaching, and influence. Wide in scope and deep in nature, Coltrane’s influence remains alive more than 50 years after his death, and will surely be felt by future generations.

“…a superb tribute to ‘Trane. “Thank You” is a salute from a variety of (Arkadia Jazz) artists, who play his music their way without trying to emulate the Coltrane sound – and the result is vibrant and fresh.” – Jared Rutter, Players- August 1998

We at Arkadia Records feel it is important to honor the legacy of some of Jazz’s greats. For our “Thank You” series of musical homages, we asked our artists go into the studio and record an all new, previously unreleased song either derived from or influenced by the enduring legacy Jazz’s royalty. The liner notes contain reflections by each of the artists about John Coltrane.

“An earnest homage to Jazz legend John Coltrane by Arkadia’s impressive company of artists. …superlative renditions of Trane’s “Syeeda’s Song Flute” (Benny Golson), “Naima” (Billy Taylor Trio) and “Giant Steps” (pianist Ted Rosenthal). Golson, one of Trane’s childhood friends in Philadelphia, has a special feeling for John’s music, and it shines through on “Syeeda” and his own striking composition, “Touch Me Lightly”. Rosenthal’s solo piano is laid bare most of the way in a sparkling rendition that accentuates his imagination as well as his remarkable chops… …the album is first-class.” – Jack Bowers, www.allaboutjazz.com

From celebrated Jazz luminaries such as Benny Golson and Billy Taylor, to Latin Jazz stars Nova Bossa Nova, and everything in between such as pianist Ted Rosenthal, Saxophonist extraordinaire David Liebman (whose track of My Favorite Thinks received a Grammy Award Nomination), and Hip Hop/Jazz fusion hip hop group Red Time, this album, “Arkadia Jazz All-Stars: Thank You, John”, all new recordings from the Arkadia roster of artists, creates a lasting tribute to one of Jazz music’s most prolific and important artists.

“A most savory and consumer-friendly clutch of fresh compilations… a top-of-the-ladder cast…. rewarding jazz without compromise.” – Dr. Herb Wong, Jazz Educators Journal

“…very moving, emotionally poignant… This is a beautiful album.” – Jeanette Housner, Victory Review

To the younger generations who never got to see Coltrane, Bird or Miles, the current jazz masters are the true link to the great historical figures. From Benny Golson and Billy Taylor, to Joanne Brackeen and David Liebman, to Randy and Michael Brecker, Pat Metheny and Dave Holland – all of whom have played with the Great Ones – they now carry the torch into the future. Even though we can choose to look back, Jazz can only move forward. “The Stars Of Jazz Volume 1” is proof that the future is for us to hear, right now.

“These (Arkadia Jazz) artists have chosen to approach the music individually and let their performances elucidate how they feel about Coltrane and what they think of his music. This is the only way that this tribute album for someone of such gigantic stature as Coltrane is going to work, and it certainly does here. Liebman… gets some sparks going. Then there are some purely unexpected delights, like Nova Bossa Nova. The best overall cuts are still the most straight- ahead pair from Billy Taylor. This is a successful tribute that could have been a real disappointment.” – James Lien, CMJ New Music Report

“Top 10.” – Gavin Jazz Radio Charts- April 1998

Song Selection:

* Grammy nominated

All tracks produced by: Bob Karcy, except track 10, produced by Jason Lehning and Ethan Eubanks
Total Time: 56 minutes