Charles Tolliver

A towering figure in the 1960s and 70s post-Coltrane movement now known as “spiritual jazz,” trumpeter and composer Charles Tolliver honors the legacy of John Coltrane for his centennial, performing the jazz legend’s landmark 1961 large ensemble album Africa/Brass with his power-packed quintet and brass orchestra.  

A prodigious musician whose journey with the trumpet began at age 8, Tolliver began his career with saxophonist Jackie McLean and paid sideman dues with the likes of Roy Ayers, Andrew Hill, Max Roach, and Booker Ervin. 

He co-founded the iconic Strata-East label with pianist Stanley Cowell in 1970 and released a succession of influential albums focused on expanded ensembles that have become touchstones of the era, including Live at Slugs’ (1970), Music Inc. (1971), and Impact (1975).  

With his visionary approach to the concept of the jazz orchestra, Tolliver is the perfect artist to pay tribute to Africa/Brass. Coltrane's debut for Impulse! Records, the album consists of three expanded compositions including an arrangement of “Greensleeves” by pianist McCoy Tyner and a pair of originals by the leader, “Africa” and “Blues Minor,” arranged by multi-reedist Eric Dolphy. Based around Coltrane’s quartet with Tyner, bassist Reggie Workman, and drummer Elvin Jones, Africa/Brass features contributions by Dolphy, and brass greats Booker Little, Freddie Hubbard, and Julian Priester, among others.