(Jazzed Media)

A longtime devotee of John Coltrane’s musical contributions, saxophonist Steve Heckman’s latest is a superb homage.  Primarily recorded during a 2013 live performance, Legacy: A Coltrane Tribute, is centered around compositions from Coltrane’s early and middle career. Heckman’s performance paints with the colors from the Trane palette in his own unique way and definitely honors, rather than simply emulating an idol. To that end, he also adds a self-penned tune to the mix that fits right into proceedings. The stellar production of ballads and burners is a work of captivating performances. Joining Heckman on this effort are Grant Levin on piano, Eric Markowitz on bass and Smith Dobson V on drums, all with great performances in their own right. An excellent adventure.