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'They messed around and made a classic': Duke Ellington and John Coltrane

Duke Ellington and John Coltrane album cover
Duke Ellington and John Coltrane album cover

In late 1962, John Coltrane and Duke Ellington went into the studio and created one of the most essential albums in jazz and beyond. Initially paired in an effort to prove Coltrane's commercial viability and conciliate rigid critics of his evolving sound, these titans would prove to do something much more meaningful.

Emmy-winning vocalist, saxophonist, composer and producer Braxton Cook joins Milestones to discuss the 60th anniversary of this landmark album. Together they dive into the beauty of intergenerational creativity, Coltrane's approach to a ballad, Black male vulnerability and the cultural impact of this one-time collaboration. They also discuss Cook's brand new album Who Are You When No One Is Watching? A distinct synthesis of jazz, R&B, soul, funk, and hip hop, paired with a striking commentary that both honors and celebrates the fullness of Black life, Cook's latest drops everywhere today.

Release date: 2.24.23

Milestones theme produced by Riley K. Glasper

Co-Produced by Corey Goldberg

Recorded at Teal Octopus in Brooklyn, New York

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Angélika Beener is an award-winning journalist, DJ, host and producer. Angélika has contributed her work to Downbeat, TIDAL, The Huffington Post, NPR Music, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and National Public Radio. In addition, she has contributed liner notes to several acclaimed recording projects, including two GRAMMY®-winning albums. A journalist who writes about music and culture at the intersections of race, gender, and generation, her work in public radio has been recognized by The Corporation for Public Broadcasting and The New York Association of Black Journalists.