What makes Remembering John by McCoy Tyner notable?

Remembering John is significant for its deep homage to John Coltrane, showcasing Tyner's virtuosic piano alongside an ensemble of notable musicians. The album received critical acclaim, appearing on several year-end lists and solidifying Tyner's prowess in the jazz community during a time when he was re-establishing his presence in the genre. Released in 1991, Remembering John was McCoy Tyner's first album after a five-year hiatus from recording. This album came during a reflective phase for Tyner as he sought to pay tribute to his former bandmate, John Coltrane, following a period of personal and professional exploration.

Who is Remembering John for?

Remembering John works well if you're into reflective journey through melodies, steady pacing with emotional peaks and intricate rhythms for deep focus.

How many songs are on Remembering John?

Remembering John has 9 tracks, running approximately 57 minutes.

Remembering John

McCoy Tyner · 1991

57 min · 9 tracks · jazz

A rich tapestry of jazz fusion woven with emotive piano lines and intricate rhythms, honoring the spirit of John Coltrane.

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Top tracks — play these first

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India — This opening track showcases Tyner’s ability to fuse Eastern musical elements with traditional jazz, setting the tone for the tribute.
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Good Morning Heartache — The arrangement highlights Tyner's lyrical playing style, blending melancholy and beauty that resonates throughout the record.
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The Wise One — This track encapsulates the spiritual essence of Coltrane’s influence, featuring complex harmonies and introspective solos that reflect deep emotion.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

68 /100

Alpine

Higher than 93% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong compositions and skilled performances, honoring Coltrane while maintaining its own identity.

What we noticed

The album opens with a rhythmic and melodic exploration in 'India', establishing a complex interplay between piano and percussion.
Each track features extended improvisation, allowing the musicians to explore themes rather than adhering strictly to song structures.
The final track, 'The Wise One', concludes with a gradual deceleration of tempo, creating a reflective atmosphere that resonates with the tribute theme.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

reflective journey through melodies
steady pacing with emotional peaks
intricate rhythms for deep focus
cultural resonance in each piece

Maybe skip if you

seekers of instant gratification
prefer short standalone tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1991, Remembering John was McCoy Tyner's first album after a five-year hiatus from recording. This album came during a reflective phase for Tyner as he sought to pay tribute to his former bandmate, John Coltrane, following a period of personal and professional exploration.
Stylistic neighbors: Chick Corea· Herbie Hancock· Keith Jarrett