An Evening with Metta Quintet: Coltrane and Miles at 100 - WEJF'26

A BIMA PRISM PROGRAM
PART OF THE 2026 WITHIN/EARSHOT JAZZ FESTIVAL
New York City’s acclaimed METTA QUINTET takes you on a powerful musical journey celebrating the centennials of two of the most influential figures in jazz history: the visionary saxophonist John Coltrane and the trailblazing trumpeter Miles Davis. Through dynamic performances and fresh artistic perspectives, this unforgettable evening explores the groundbreaking music, enduring legacy, and cultural impact of these two artists who forever changed the course of American music.

Known for their adventurous spirit and exceptional musicianship, METTA QUINTET brings together some of today’s most creative and accomplished jazz artists. The ensemble’s collective curiosity and innovative approach have earned national acclaim for performances that honor jazz traditions while boldly pushing them forward.

Whether you’re a lifelong jazz fan or a brand-new listener, this celebration of the iconic John Coltrane and Miles Davis promises an evening of extraordinary artistry and inspiration.

ABOUT METTA QUINTET
A cohesive, tight-knit unit featuring some of today’s most esteemed, creative artists, METTA QUINTET is fueled by a collective, open-minded musical curiosity and dedicated to exploring new artistic territory, while maintaining a passionate commitment to arts education, fostering new audiences, and nurturing young talent.

Through the commissioning of all-new works and the creation of immersive, live multi-media concert programs for the MAIN STAGE, METTA QUINTET is committed to challenging convention and expanding the boundaries of the live jazz experience.

The quintet released its critically acclaimed debut recording, Going to Meet The Man (Koch), in 2002, featuring eight commissioned works by the then-emerging, now-renowned composers, Brad Mehldau, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Mark Turner, Larry Goldings, and George Colligan. All works were inspired by short stories by celebrated American author James Baldwin. In July 2006, Sunnyside Records released the quintet’s second critically lauded CD, Subway Songs, which features eight all-original commissioned compositions inspired by the sociological dynamism of the New York City Subway experience. In early 2012, the quintet, in partnership with the digital music distributor, The Orchard, released the globally-themed, Big Drum/Small World to unanimously positive reviews! The project features a diverse array of all-new music by renowned composers from eight different countries including Lionel Loueke, Miguel Zenon, Rudresh Mahanthappa, Yosvanny Terry, Omer Avital, and Metta Quintet’s very own, Marcus Strickland.

The project explores the globalization and ever-broadening definition and sound of jazz.