Off Minor Jazz, The Avant-Garde Presented by City of Asylum

John Coltrane’s legendary The Avant Garde is a unique album rarely performed live. Its open form asks musicians to improvise and innovate while interpreting—posing a distinct challenge, but one that musicians of The Off Minor Jazz series tackled with high spirits at City of Asylum in November 2019. 

Enjoy concert highlights plus a bonus new conversation with curator/drummer Thomas Wendt as he revisits the performance and reflects on the ensemble’s chemistry and their one-night-only improvisations.

Streamed on The Show Must Go On(line) Pittsburgh channel. (run-time 45 minutes)

In the summer of 1960, John Coltrane recorded one of the most distinct albums in his large discography: The Avant-Garde. This album features Coltrane with a chord-less quartet that included 3/4’s of Ornette Coleman’s classic 60’s quartet; bassist Charlie Haden and drummer, Ed Blackwell.  

Revisit Off Minor’s rendition of The Avant-Garde from City of Asylum’s archives and enjoy a rare chance to hear Thomas Wendt re-watch the performance and offer behind-the-scenes commentary on a rare live performance.

Musicians: Don Aliquo Jr. on tenor sax; Clay Jenkins on trumpet; Paul Thompson on bass; & Thomas Wendt on drums

The Off-Minor Jazz Series is a monthly season of thematic concerts performed at City of Asylum @ Alphabet City.  The series highlights the music of legendary jazz composers and players, and represents a style rarely played in commercial venues. Curated by drummer Thomas Wendt, the series features specialized musicians for each concert.