Bobby Zankel’s Wonderful Sound 6: Remembering Coltrane

On Saturday, July 18, Bobby Zankel convenes an extraordinary all-star ensemble to remember John Coltrane—one day after the anniversary of Coltrane’s passing and during the centennial year of his birth.

This will not be a note-for-note recreation or a museum-piece tribute. It is an evening devoted to Coltrane’s searching spirit: music rooted in freedom, intensity, spiritual depth and fearless exploration, interpreted by six remarkable artists with powerful voices of their own.

An evening with The Wonderful Sound is an adventure—a deeply spiritual journey in which the music remains alive, unpredictable and open to discovery. One of Philadelphia’s essential creative jazz figures, Zankel has drawn lifelong inspiration from Coltrane’s example, not only as an improviser and composer, but as an artist continually reaching for something deeper through sound.

This special ensemble brings together three formidable saxophone voices—Bobby Zankel, Jaleel Shaw and Bryan Rogers—supported by the exceptional rhythm section of pianist Sumi Tonooka, the ubiquitous and veratile bassist Sam Harris and drummer Nazir Ebo.

The concert also marks a rare Philadelphia appearance by Philadelphia native Jaleel Shaw, one of the leading saxophonists of his generation, performing for the first time at Black Squirrel Club.

With this concentration of talent gathered on one stage, the evening promises to move beyond commemoration into something immediate and transformative: reverent but adventurous, deeply rooted yet constantly reaching forward.
Remembering John Coltrane through the music, the spirit and the continuing search.