Jazz pianist Emmet Cohen will honor Miles Davis and John Coltrane on Saturday, Oct. 6, at the Bologna Jazz Festival’s Unipol Auditorium.
Key takeaways
- Tribute focus: Cohen’s program centers on compositions and improvisations by Davis and Coltrane.
- Venue and date: The concert is scheduled for Oct. 6 at the Unipol Auditorium in Bologna.
- Ensemble format: Cohen will perform with a quartet comprising trumpet, saxophone, double bass and drums.
- Festival context: The event is part of the annual Bologna Jazz Festival, which draws international artists.
- Audience expectation: Organizers anticipate a mix of classic repertoire and Cohen’s modern interpretations.
Program details
The set will feature pieces associated with Davis and Coltrane, though the exact track list has not been released. Cohen is known for blending historic jazz language with contemporary phrasing, a style he plans to apply to the legends’ material.
Ensemble lineup
The quartet includes a trumpeter and a saxophonist who will alternate lead roles, a bassist on double bass, and a drummer providing rhythmic support. Cohen will lead from the piano, delivering harmonic depth and improvisational dialogue.
Festival significance
The Bologna Jazz Festival, held annually in northern Italy, showcases both established and emerging jazz talent. Cohen’s tribute adds a nod to the genre’s roots, aligning with the festival’s mission to celebrate jazz heritage.
Why it matters
Why it matters: The concert highlights the enduring influence of Miles Davis and John Coltrane on contemporary jazz musicians. By presenting their work in a European setting, Cohen connects Western jazz traditions with a global audience, offering listeners in the Middle East and Egypt an opportunity to experience classic American jazz interpreted through a modern lens.