John Coltrane Documentary, Narrated by Denzel Washington, to Debut

By Sameer Rao Aug 31, 2016

Pioneering saxophonist and jazz composer John Coltrane gets the documentary treatment in a new film narrated by Denzel Washington that premieres at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) next week. 

Shadow and Act offered the following summary for "Chasing Trane: The John Coltrane Documentary:" 

Revolutionary artist and innovator, John Coltrane expanded the frontiers of his craft by introducing elements from musical traditions the world over. "Chasing Trane" reveals the critical events, passions, experiences, and challenges that shaped the life of John Coltrane and his revolutionary sounds. It is a story of demons and darkness, of persistence and redemption. Above all else, it is the incredible spiritual journey of a man who found himself and, in the process, created an extraordinary body of work that transcends all barriers of geography, race, religion and age. 

The film utilizes a mix of archival footage, Washington’s recitation of Coltrane’s words, and interviews with the likes of fellow legendary saxophonist Sonny Rollins, public intellectual Cornel West, saxophonist Kamasi Washington and even Bill Clinton

"Chasing Trane," directed by John Scheinfeld ("The U.S. vs. John Lennon"), premieres on September 8.