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, “Out of This World,” music by Harold Arlen, “Blue Nile,” by Alice Coltrane and “Togo,” a traditional piece originally arranged by drummer Ed Blackwell.
About The Electric Squeezebox Orchestra (Jazzschool Resident Artists) is a 17-piece big band led by Erik Jekabson and features many of the best players and arrangers in the Bay Area! The Electric Squeezebox Orchestra is the Bay Area’s own 17-piece big band, led by trumpeter Erik Jekabson, playing music composed and arranged by its members. The composers and arrangers, some of the very best in the Bay, draw from a wide variety of influences but always come up with powerful music with groove, beauty and subtlety. The band, which started a steady Sunday residency at the Jazzschool, has collaborated with a number of special guest artists, including John Santos, Kenny Washington, Alan Ferber, Dayna Stephens, Mads Tolling, Sandy Cressman, Kellye Gray, Avotcja, Spok and Ben Goldberg.