An Afro-infused tribute to the uplifting and
spirited music of John Coltrane

What began as a concert celebrating John Coltrane’s birthday on September 23rd, 2023, at the Oaktown Jazz Workshops, eventually evolved into a full-blown recording project titled “The Last Trane to Africa,” which was released worldwide on January 23rd.

Percussionist/bandleader Ian Dogole and his world-class collaborators will present an Afro-infused homage to the luminous legacy of one of the most important figures in twentieth-century music – John Coltrane. Merging Ian’s array of African percussion instruments and other indigenous percussion in concert with more traditional Jazz instruments such as piano, double bass, saxophones and drum set, attendees will enjoy a transcendent musical experience that is sure to uplift the spirit and delight the senses.

Pieces will include “Africa,” “Tunji” and “Dahomey Dance” by John Coltrane; “John Coltrane,” by Bill Lee (Spike Lee’s father); “Afro Blue” by Mongo Santamaria and “Out of This World,” music by Harold Arlen.

Musicians

• IAN DOGOLE – udu, djembes/floor tom, ankle bells, kalimba, talking drum, misc. percussion

• RICHARD HOWELL – saxophones, vocal

• SHELDON BROWN – saxophones, bass clarinet

• DARREN JOHNSTON – trumpet

• FRANK MARTIN – piano

• FRED RANDOLPH – double bass

• KENDRICK FREEMAN – drum set, hand drums

Afrikahn Jahmal Dayvs, founder of the JaZzLine INSTITUTE and host of JaZzLine SESSIONS on KPFA and KKUP, will emcee the show. We invite you to revel in this one-of-a-kind, highly spirited musical adventure.