Perspectives: Coltrane 100: Both Directions at Once

featuring Joe Lovano, Melissa Aldana, Nduduzo Makhathini, Linda May Han Oh, and Jeff "Tain" Watts

Joe Lovano, saxophone
Melissa Aldana, saxophone
Nduduzo Makhathini, piano
Linda May Han Oh, bass
Jeff "Tain" Watts drummer

2026 marks the centennial of iconic saxophonist John Coltrane's birth. Coltrane 100: Both Directions at Once offers audiences a rare chance to join this historic moment. An all-star lineup, each from different backgrounds — saxophonists Joe Lovano and Melissa Aldana; pianist Nduduzo Makhathini, bassist Linda May Han Oh, and drummer Jeff "Tain" Watts — join together to pay tribute to one of the most inspirational artists, whose creativity and spirituality has influenced generations of musicians. Each member of this group stands on the threshold of the future, fulfilling their musical vision looking forward.

Coltrane once explained his musical aspirations to fellow saxophonist Wayne Shorter as, “starting a sentence in the middle, and then going to the beginning and the end of it at the same time... both directions at once.” The Coltrane 100 band looks Both Directions at Once with modern interpretations of classic Coltrane repertoire from throughout his career, plus originals inspired by his legacy.

Grammy-winning saxophonist Joe Lovano is a jazz titan known for his innovation and artistry. He’s released over 25 albums as a leader for the historic Blue Note Records. Lovano has performed with jazz greats including Herbie Hancock, Elvin Jones, McCoy Tyner, Tony Bennett and many others. Joe has created an extensive body of work for his own ensembles including strings, woodwinds, his horn-rich Nonet, the Classic Quartet, Trio Tapestry, and more.

Internationally acclaimed Chilean saxophonist Melissa Aldana is renowned for her bold voice in modern jazz. She made history in 2013 as the first female and South American to win the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition.

In addition to leading her own quartet, Melissa is a highly sought-after collaborator, performing with some of the most respected names in jazz.

Nduduzo Makhathini, raised in umGungundlovu, South Africa, grew up in a culture where music and ritual were deeply intertwined. Influenced by jazz legends like John Coltrane, Andrew Hill, Randy Weston and Abdullah Ibrahim. Makhathini has released eight albums since 2014, including Sketches of Tomorrow, Mother Tongue, and Listening to the Ground. His 2017 album Ikhambi won Best Jazz Album at the South African Music Awards, while his 2020 Blue Note debut, Modes of Communication: Letters from the Underworlds, received critical acclaim.

Grammy award winning drummer Jeff "Tain" Watts is one of the most in-demand jazz drummers in the world today who is known for his explosive power, speed, and mastery of complex rhythms. He studied classical percussion at Duquesne University and jazz at Berklee, where he played alongside top musicians like Branford Marsalis and Kevin Eubanks. Watts joined the Wynton Marsalis Quartet in 1981, winning three Grammys, before working with George Benson, McCoy Tyner, and the Branford Marsalis Quartet. He has an extensive discography, with ten albums as a leader, and has collaborated with artists like Betty Carter, Michael Brecker, and Alice Coltrane. Watts is celebrated for his unique blend of street funk, swing, and elegant technique.

Based in New York City, GRAMMY award-winning Linda May Han Oh is a bassist/composer who has performed and recorded with artists such as Pat Metheny, Kenny Barron, Joe Lovano, Dave Douglas, Terri Lyne Carrington, Steve Wilson, Geri Allen and Vijay Iyer.

Presented by NCH