SAVANT RECORDS 2237 (RELEASED OCTOBER 30, 2026)
There has been a plethora of new recordings recently celebrating the centennial year of John Coltrane’s birth. Many have recast, reinterpreted, or simply attempted to replicate his music. That is not the case with House of Trane, the newest release from alto saxophonist Jim Snidero and his quartet featuring pianist Stefan Karlsson, bassist Nat Reeves and drummer Jason Tiemann. Although his sound is steeped in Coltrane’s signature “sheets of sound” and emotional intensity, Snidero’s six originals on House of Trane were inspired by a visit to Coltrane’s former home in Dix Hills, Long Island. “It was a seismic experience and I was literally in tears,” Snidero recalls. “It just felt right to write music inspired by the experience.” The staircase leading to the second floor where A Love Supreme was conceived, provides the inspiration for “Ascent,” an angular motif that settles into a straight-ahead groove, giving each musician an opportunity to channel his inner Coltrane. The more lyrical side of Coltrane emerges on “Hearth Felt,” inspired by the fireplace that served as a backdrop for several memorable photographs of the saxophonist. The meditative mood of “Glass Ring” takes its cue from the circular stained- glass window connecting the living room and meditation room. while the saxophone-driven “Free To Be” reflects the spacious basement that served as Coltrane’s private recording studio, a place in which he experienced greater artistic freedom. Karlsson introduces the modal groove of “Relaxin’ at Dix Hills,” a composition inspired by Snidero’s favorite video of Coltrane walking around the Long Island property. The quartet moves effortlessly and with exquisite sensitivity through “Faith,” a composition reflecting the spirituality Coltrane experienced at Dix Hills. Rounding out the session are two tunes associated with Coltrane: the classic Victor Young ballad “Weaver of Dreams,” a tune Coltrane first recorded in 1959 on Cannonball Adderley Quintet in Chicago; and a reharmonized interpretation of “Resolution” from A Love Supreme. For those who may not have the opportunity to visit Dix Hills themselves, Snidero and his quartet bring Coltrane’s former home to glorious, melodious and harmonious life on House of Trane.
BOTTOM LINE: Having recorded albums dedicated to Joe Henderson (Music of Joe Henderson, 1999) and Charlie Parker (Bird Feathers, 2025), alto saxophonist turns to John Coltrane for his 26th session as a leader titled oHouse of Trane. Inspired by his visit to the Coltrane home in Dix Hills, Long Island, Snidero crafts six originals steeped in the Coltrane spirit, alongside fresh interpretations of “Weaver of Dreams” and “Resolution.” There is little doubt, that the visit had a profound impact on Snidero. Coltrane enthusiasts will recognize that same emotional intensity and spirituality throughout House of Trane.
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