In the 1980s, Bob Brookmeyer controversially posited the question: “Was Charlie Parker Good for Jazz?” He argued that he wasn't, since all previous styles of jazz appeared redundant

in his wake and that his influence was so omnipresent it cast a pall of conformity over jazz that was ultimately limiting. Of course, he was acting as agent provocateur but it certainly gave pause for thought. The same question might be asked of John Coltrane, whose influence has been magnified by the effects of jazz education since his recordings, harmonic approach and technical mastery have long been one of the cornerstones of jazz pedagogy. In the Trondheim Jazz Conservatory, for example, students are even tasked with singing Coltrane's solo on ‘Giant Steps’ forwards and backwards note-for-note. However, probing the implications of Coltrane's technical and harmonic innovations can be a lifetime's study and become an end in itself. Perhaps the challenge Coltrane poses instrumentalists today is, having immersed themselves in his style and methodology, trying to get out the other side, like the late Michael Brecker demonstrated, by taking account of what Coltrane did and extending and building something personal on that foundation. This is what Tommy Smith has also succeeded in doing – yes, he acknowledges Coltrane, but he's also created something personal from a deep understanding of his music. However, today we have to acknowledge Coltrane's influence in jazz is even greater than when Coltrane was at his height in the mid-1960s. And we also have to admit that jazz does not suffer from a dearth of Coltrane tribute albums. With Embodying The Light, therefore, we have to ask what are the characteristics that separate this album from those that have gone before that make it deserving of our attention. I think that question can be answered in one word, integrity. There is an unselfconscious honesty in the way Smith and his ensemble get under the skin of Coltrane's classic quartet to demonstrate the true spirit of Coltrane's legacy is not theoretical or technical, but emotional and spiritual. If evoked with integrity and honesty this is music that can still move us today. In this powerful homage, Smith succeeds in showing us the way.