José James Presents // Facing East: The Music of John Coltrane Celebrating 100 years of Coltrane, José James reimagines the genius of jazz’s spiritual father with an electrifying new tribute. Internationally acclaimed jazz singer and producer José James returns with his most ambitious project to date: a soul-stirring homage to the legendary saxophonist John Coltrane. Thirty years in the making, Facing East had its world premiere in 2013 via a European tour, including performances at Ancienne Belgique, North Sea Jazz, Nice Jazz Festival, and Ronnie Scott’s. Since then, James has released over 10 albums for Blue Note Records and his own Rainbow Blonde Records while presenting transformative tributes to iconic artists such as Billie Holiday, Bill Withers, Erykah Badu, and Marvin Gaye. With Facing East, James turns his focus to his self-professed “musical father,” John Coltrane, continuing a profound musical exploration of the iconic composer’s work during the centennial year of his birth. Performing a setlist spanning Coltrane’s early days as a bandleader on Atlantic Records to his dynamic later work for Impulse! Records, James honors one of the most brilliant composers, improvisers, and balladeers in the history of jazz. James, who first exploded onto the international jazz scene in 2008 with his groundbreaking vocalese cover of “Equinox,” is no stranger to the Coltrane oeuvre. In 2011, James was invited to perform as a featured guest on three international tours with McCoy Tyner, becoming the third vocalist in history to perform with the brilliant pianist and cornerstone of Coltrane’s celebrated classic quartet. The project, a musical exploration of the celebrated 1963 John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman album, was met with great acclaim throughout Japan, Taiwan, China, the USA, the United Kingdom, and Europe. Joined by an ensemble of world-class contemporary jazz musicians, James reimagines Coltrane’s music for a new generation of listeners. Facing East is a bold, heartfelt tribute to the boundless creativity of John Coltrane, a towering figure whose music continues to inspire and transform generations. This project transcends tribute—it’s a spiritual journey that captures the essence of Coltrane’s genius and reimagines it for today.

Grammy-nominated tenor saxophonist and composer Melissa Aldana is internationally recognized for her profound musicality, fearless improvisation, and deeply personal storytelling through . Born in Santiago, Chile, in 1988, Aldana grew up in a family of musicians and began performing professionally as a teenager under the guidance of her father, renowned saxophonist Marcos Aldana. Influenced by Sonny Rollins, Wayne Shorter, and Mark Turner, she has developed a distinct voice that balances jazz tradition with bold innovation. In 2009, Aldana moved to the United States to attend the Berklee College of Music, studying with George Garzone, Joe Lovano, and Greg Osby. Her artistry quickly gained international attention when, in 2013, she became the first female instrumentalist and first South American to win the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition—a historic milestone that launched her onto the global stage. As a leader, Aldana has released seven critically acclaimed albums, including Free Fall (2010), Second Cycle (2012), Melissa Aldana & Crash Trio (2014), Back Home (2016), Visions (2019), 12 Stars (2022), and Echoes of the Inner Prophet (2024). Her two most recent projects, both on Blue Note Records, solidify her reputation as one of the defining voices of her generation. Co-produced with guitarist Lage Lund, Echoes of the Inner Prophet is a powerful and introspective album exploring spirituality, intuition, and identity. Featuring original compositions—including a tribute to Wayne Shorter—the record showcases Aldana’s signature blend of lyrical expression, technical command, and emotional depth. Aldana continues to perform and teach around the world, appearing at major festivals, jazz clubs, and universities. Her music embodies a fearless spirit and visionary creativity that bridges past, present, and future in contemporary jazz.