Miles and Coltrane

Consider this a public service message.

It’s likely that some of you have seen the names Miles and Coltrane in your feed and wondered: Who are these musicians who spark such reverence in the year 2026? Let me break it down for you.

Miles is the trumpeter/composer/solo artist, Miles Davis. Famous enough to jazz musicians and listeners to be known by his first name alone. Coltrane is the saxophonist/composer/solo artist, John Coltrane.1 ‘Trane is known the world over by his surname and the abbreviation I just dropped on you.

Both musical artists are internationally revered stratospheric inventors and innovators.

Both born in 1926.

You get it now. 1926-2026—the Centennial birthday celebration of their singular contributions to music worldwide. This is why their names keep popping up. Note: There are months of celebrating yet to go. I encourage you to come to the party. If your first thought is, “Oh, I don’t know about that,” hang tight. I’ve got a carrot, no stick, coming right up.

As a party-goer, I’ve been celebrating John Coltrane by playing the song “Giant Steps” every day. This infamous composition is one among Coltrane’s top recordings—loved and hated. The reason for the latter is because it’s so damn hard to play!

Apparently, I memorized this historical composition sometime between 18 and 21-years-old because I can still play the head (that’s the melody) and comp (the chords) at near the original tempo (think 300 BPM). The chord changes fly by at the speed of an SR-71 spy plane. Counted in half-time most chords are felt as one beat each. It’s ridiculous—it really is. Not for Coltrane though. His playing on the album Giant Steps was next level to the next level. He changed what could and would be played on the instrument from that moment on.

I haven’t landed on my Miles song yet. I imagine it will be “Four,” “All Blues” or his version of “Someday My Prince Will Come.” We’ll see. For now, I’m obsessed with “Giant Steps.” My goal is for the challenging song to become fluid music to me and not an 18-year-old’s litmus test of jazz legitimacy. Now to the carrot(s).

If you’re a Substacker jazz novice with a willing heart, let’s begin with a recording. This way you get to hear music from the best-selling jazz album of all time, Miles’ Kind of Blue, AND it just happens to feature John Coltrane on tenor saxophone.

Secondly, avail yourselves of the many Miles and Coltrane experts here on Substack, including: Lewis Porter, Bret Primack, ETHAN IVERSON, Nelson George and Ted Gioia.2

I’ve been celebrating Miles and Coltrane since I was a little boy. Thank you mom and dad and the Columbia House Record Club for introducing me to these iconic contributors to world history and the Black American music canon. If you’re a dedicated listener, you already know how important these two musicians are to the music of the world. Their influence has not waned one bit.

If you’re a jazz novice, but ready to come to the party, here’s a very important clue to understanding these two giants of jazz and improvisation: Their music is as diverse as their curiosity and invention. And, they recorded 1000s of songs/performances—not all equal, and certainly not all for everyone. If you enter in Door #1 and don’t like what you hear—keep opening doors. These are not find-something-that-works-and-keep-doing-it type artists. They are explorers and inventors. Always keep that in mind.

There’s so much more to say, but this PSA should be kept brief. The music of Miles and Coltrane is everywhere and easy to find. If you need more tips for listening, email me at charliepeacockmusic@icloud.com and I’ll send you some recommendations.

Let’s celebrate these giants of jazz and improvisational music and their contributions to the arts! Peace and love. More below . . .

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That rare moment in time when your album is higher on the charts than Miles and Coltrane. You better take a screenshot fast because it won’t last. They’ll still be there when you’re long gone. That’s the difference between icon and tourist. :-)

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Approximately fifty years ago I was a part-time assistant to professor, American historian, and jazz journalist Frank Kofsky—another story I share in Roots & Rhythm. Frank holds the august position of having conducted and recorded one of the most oft-quoted interviews with John Coltrane.

NEWS

1. Happy Juneteenth tomorrow, Friday June 19th. Enjoy my past post from last year.

   Juneteenth, Commemoration & Celebration

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   June 19, 2025

   

   Today I commemorate Juneteenth, the delayed but momentous arrival of emancipation in Texas on June 19, 1865—over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It marks the end of race-based chattel slavery in America and specifically honors those (primarily from West Africa) who were brought to America by force, sold into generational bondage, and trea…

2. It breaks my heart to share this news. Justin Cary, bassist for 90s alt pop-band Sixpence None the Richer passed away this morning (June 18, 2026). Justin suffered a serious stroke on last Thursday evening and was hospitalized in ICU. For those inclined to help, please visit here. I am grateful to have known Justin since the advent of the band. Our family sends our love and condolences to Justin’s wife, Linda, family, friends, and 6p band members.

   Thank you so much for reading and for your comments! If you’ve yet to purchase a book please do so at your convenience. Your support of Why Everything That Doesn’t Matter, Matters So Much and the memoir, Roots & Rhythm: A Life in Music helps to keep this newsletter coming with regularity. Both books are on sale right now at over 50% off. Peace.

"Sorta Kinda Blue, Acrylic on Canvas/Mixed Media Print by Charlie Peacock ©2021