The only surviving member of the classic John Coltrane quartet and one of the most distinguished jazz musicians on the planet marlbank salutes McCoy Tyner who turns 80 this week. His contribution to the practice, expression, and interpretation of jazz as a vital artistic medium is incalculable. Tyner grew up in Philadelphia in a jazz neighbourhood, his neighbours included the hugely influential bebop pioneer Bud Powell whose music touched him deeply. McCoy studied locally at the West Philadelphia Music School to begin with, gigging as a teenager he went on to make his recording debut with the Benny Golson-Art Farmer Jazztet at the end of the 1950s. 

In 1960 he became a member of the John Coltrane quartet and over the next five years made history as part of what is universally regarded as one of the very greatest groups in jazz and whose music still touches jazz lovers deeply to this very day.

Later after Coltrane passed, as a leader of his own groups in later years his compositions too became a striking part of his artistry and are long since part of the wider jazz soundtrack the world over played by many artists who turn especially to ‘Passion Dance’, ‘Contemplation’, and ‘Blues on the Corner’. Marlbank encourages you to listen and spend quality time with the music of the real McCoy right now and into the future.