“Legends of Jazz” – A concert honoring Miles Davis and John Coltrane

Following their explosive and artistically challenging “Rhythm Nation” concert featuring Jamey Haddad, the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra will present a musical retrospective of two of modern jazz’s greatest composers and musicians: Miles Davis and John Coltrane. The concert will take place Friday, November 13 at the Maltz Performing Arts Center. This will be the CJO’s second concert of their 42^nd season titled: The World According to Jazz.

“Legends of Jazz” will feature new arrangements of standards originated by Davis and Coltrane. Rarely have their works been played by larger jazz ensembles, making this evening an exciting exploration of musical intimacy.

This concert will feature performances by the CJO’s extraordinary talents. On trumpet: Jack Schantz, Dave Banks, Joe Miller, Frank Walton. On Saxophone: Brad Wagner, Chris Burge, Johnny Cochran, Chris Coles, and George Shernit.

When asked about the impact Davis had on trumpeter Jack Schantz, he responded with, “The albums that had the most influence on me as a jazz trumpet player were “Workin’”, “Relaxin’”, and “Steamin’”- the records with the elegant Red Garland.”

Schantz went on to say, “Although Miles Davis is credited with many innovations in the development of new and innovative jazz styles and genres, I’m particularly fond of the collaborations with Gil Evans, namely “Miles Ahead”, “Porgy and Bess”, and “Sketches of Spain”.

The evening will include a retrospective of collaborations between Davis and Coltrane as well as individual compositions that set these two jazz innovators apart.

“We look forward to celebrating the anniversary of the birth of Miles Davis and John Coltrane,” offered Artistic Director Paul Ferguson, “designing this concert is a love letter to their musical genius and profound effect on jazz today.”

The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra is Northeast Ohio’s premier jazz voice since 1985. Through inventive arrangements and original music, the CJO brings audiences the best jazz they’ve ever heard and the best jazz they’ve never heard. We are celebrating our 42^nd season.