Music

The new documentary on jazz musician John Coltrane, Chasing Trane: The John Coltrane Documentary, gives viewers an inside look on the legend’s life.

The film is filled with photos and videos of Coltrane that allow viewers to connect with his music as they learn more about his life as a saxophonist, husband and father. It goes over his early life, the steps he took to make it big in the music industry and the legacy he left behind. The film is raw and honest, telling the life story of Coltrane without leaving out all the unfortunate events such as the condition of the south, death of family members or heroin addiction that played a part in who he became as a jazz musician.

The film, written and directed by John Scheinfeld, works closely with the colleagues and family members of Coltrane. The words of John Coltrane are spoken by Denzel Washington all throughout the film, providing a first perspective narrative. His story is told through his sons Oran and Ravi Coltrane and his step daughters. Through the testimonies of some of his closest acquaintances like Sonny Rollins and Reggie Workman, viewers can understand Coltrane’s artistry through the eyes of artists he worked with closely. The film also includes commentary from musicians and other individuals the saxophonist has inspired such as President Bill Clinton, John Densmore and Common.

In Theaters April 14, 2017 at the IFC Center in New York.