The Global Jazz Studies Department invites scholars to submit papers on the subject of John Coltrane on the 100th anniversary of his birth.
Submission Deadline: August 31
September 23, 1926 was the birth date of John William Coltrane. A giant of the saxophone, a jazz innovator, a spiritual/artistic icon of the Black Arts Movement, and patron saint of the jazz avant garde, are merely the most obvious of his achievements earned through his music. On October 9-10, 2026, The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music will host a symposium and concert to celebrate and reflect on the centennial of Coltrane’s birth.
We seek proposals for presentations that explore the legacy of John Coltrane (1926-1967) and his continued relevance in the twenty-first century. Presentations will include a 20-minute paper and time for a 10-minute question and answer response. Panels of 3-5 persons organized around a special theme may also be proposed. Such panels will be limited to a one-hour time frame. Films are also welcome but should be proposed by the director or someone who can provide proof of copyright.
Topics may include (but are not limited to) Coltrane’s contribution to the notion of “Spiritual Jazz”, Coltrane’s innovations in improvisation, Formalism in Coltrane’s compositions and improvisations, Coltrane and the Black Aesthetic, Coltrane as harbinger of ‘World Music’.
Keynote address will be delivered by Archbishop Franzo King, co-founder of the African Orthodox Church of John Coltrane. The keynote address in addition to remarks by the archbishop will feature music from members of the church.
The Double bill will begin with a set by the outstanding tenor saxophonist/vocalist, Camille Thurman-Green. Thurman is a woman who exemplifies the integrity and the intensity of John Coltrane. She will lead her own quintet for the concert and will also conduct a workshop for UCLA students.
The concert will close with a collaboration between Regina Carter-Garnett and KuUmba Frank Lacy based upon the Meditations and Infinity recordings by John Coltrane and Alice Coltrane respectively.
Alice Coltrane released Infinity in 1972 using recordings of her late husband from 1965 and 1966 to which she added her arrangements of orchestral strings, and herself on vibraphone, harp, piano, and organ. These compositions are all from the most advanced stages of John Coltrane’s artistry. Two of the songs, “Joy” and “Living Space”, are from 1965, the culminating year of John Coltrane’s “classic quartet” consisting of Coltrane, Elvin Jones, Jimmy Garrison, and McCoy Tyner. A third composition, “Living Space”, is from Coltrane’s subsequent and final quartet, featuring Alice Coltrane, Jimmy Garrison, and Rashied Ali. A new orchestral arrangement for “Living Space” will be written by KuUmba Frank Lacy. The orchestral strings will be under the supervision of internationally renowned violinist, Regiina Carter while Lacy will lead the jazz quintet that will accompany them. Finally, a coda of Coltrane’s “After the Rain” featuring Regina Carter will close the concert.
