Chasing Trane: The John Coltrane Documentary

Name: Chasing Trane: The John Coltrane Documentary
Genre: Biography, Music, Documentary
Released: April 14, 2017
Duration: 99 min
Rating: 69

2017

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Generally favorable reviews based on 13 Critic Reviews

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Generally favorable reviews based on 5 Ratings

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Chasing Trane: The John Coltrane Documentary

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Movie Details & Credits

Abramorama | Release Date: April 14, 2017 | Not Rated

Summary: Featuring never-before-seen Coltrane family home movies, footage of John Coltrane and band in the studio (discovered in a California garage during production of this film), along with hundreds of never-before-seen photographs and rare television appearances from around the world, Coltrane's incredible story is told by the musicians thatFeaturing never-before-seen Coltrane family home movies, footage of John Coltrane and band in the studio (discovered in a California garage during production of this film), along with hundreds of never-before-seen photographs and rare television appearances from around the world, Coltrane's incredible story is told by the musicians that worked with him (Sonny Rollins, McCoy Tyner, Benny Golson, Jimmy Heath, Reggie Workman), musicians that have been inspired by his fearless artistry and creative vision (Common, John Densmore, Wynton Marsalis, Carlos Santana, Wayne Shorter, Kamasi Washington), and many others.… Expand

Director: John Scheinfeld

Genre(s): Biography, Music, Documentary

Rating: Not Rated

Runtime: 99 min

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Critic Reviews

Gloria Goodale

Apr 21, 2017

Coltrane’s final phase of “free jazz” is also amply documented, with stunning concert and music clips throughout. Read full review

Todd McCarthy

Apr 13, 2017

Smartly shaped and vigorously told by prolific documentarian John Scheinfeld (Who Is Harry Nilsson, The U.S. vs. John Lennon), the film bulges with insights offered by everyone from family members and close collaborators to the likes of Cornel West and Bill Clinton. Read full review

RogerEbert.com Glenn Kenny

Apr 14, 2017

Chasing Trane streamlines the story of the jazz saxophonist, but it does so in a way that doesn’t feel like cheating. Scheinfeld’s approach is to give the viewer the forest, point out a few trees and get out, confident that those trees will inspire the viewer to spend more time in the forest. Read full review

Pat Padua

Apr 27, 2017

In Chasing Trane: The John Coltrane Documentary, documentarian John Scheinfeld shows that the music of one of jazz’s most experimental saxophone players still speaks to audiences today. Read full review

Noel Murray

Apr 20, 2017

When “Chasing Trane” serves up mesmerizing footage of Coltrane lost in the middle of a long solo, the film communicates something beyond words. Read full review

Mark Feeney

May 3, 2017

The documentary variously consists of archival performance footage, home movies, photographs, pointlessly flashy graphics, and many, many talking heads. Read full review

Richard Brody

Apr 13, 2017

A dully conventional film about a brilliantly unconventional musician. Read full review

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User Reviews

PowerShadowX

Jan 7, 2019

Beautiful portrait of John Coltrane. Written and directed by John Scheinfeld and released in 2017, this documentary describes Coltrane's life from childhood until his premature death, at age 40. It also deals with Trane's heroin and alcohol addictions, and how he rebounded by sheerBeautiful portrait of John Coltrane. Written and directed by John Scheinfeld and released in 2017, this documentary describes Coltrane's life from childhood until his premature death, at age 40. It also deals with Trane's heroin and alcohol addictions, and how he rebounded by sheer willpower. His life was spared and his music improved.
The documentary features many interviews of friends, fans and family members. Wonderful pictures and exclusive footage are shown. Denzel Washington lends his voice reading excerpts from interviews.

Jazz fans will enjoy this documentary, very informative.

Length: 1hr 39min… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

joelmpa

Sep 11, 2018

A must-see for anyone who likes jazz, or just musical history in the fifties and sixties. The interviews are a cut above, especially by Bennie Golson, Jimmy Heath, Sonny Rollins, Coltrane's first daughter, and even, believe it or not, Bill Clinton. The music is superb, somehow finding theA must-see for anyone who likes jazz, or just musical history in the fifties and sixties. The interviews are a cut above, especially by Bennie Golson, Jimmy Heath, Sonny Rollins, Coltrane's first daughter, and even, believe it or not, Bill Clinton. The music is superb, somehow finding the time to have excerts from Coltrane's most transcendent work -- Giant Steps, Naima, Alabama, My Favorite Things, Alabama, All Blues and more. (Only one of my must-hear favorites is missing - Afro-Blue.) Intelligent, coherent -- a great introduction to Coltrane if you don't know him, and a wonderful appreciation for those of us who do. Even the animations are beautiful.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Beecee

Jun 26, 2017

This film finally came to San Diego, this past weekend, and I had the great pleasure of seeing it with the director in the house. The film is well-made - although most of the film is chronological, it wisely starts out with Coltrane's stint with Miles Davis and his effort to kick the heroinThis film finally came to San Diego, this past weekend, and I had the great pleasure of seeing it with the director in the house. The film is well-made - although most of the film is chronological, it wisely starts out with Coltrane's stint with Miles Davis and his effort to kick the heroin habit. This is not a concert film, but there are many excerpts of Coltrane's music, including in-concert footage. Coltrane did no TV interviews, and I was told that his radio interviews were of poor quality (and therefore not used), but Denzel Washington does a great job of narrating Coltrane's written words. Most of the interviews were enlightening, and the interviews in Japan put Coltrane's last concert (in Japan) into context with his views on life. All jazz fans should see this film, and others should also give it a chance.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

andreamonetlump

Nov 24, 2017

this movie change my life for a day. while i watched it i felt i could identify with how he felt about his music I am a jazz fan now. itunes is better with coltrane

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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