Wearing an American flag T-shirt in remembrance of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, world-renowned jazz drummer Rashied Ali and his trio drove a standing-room only crowd into a trance on Monday.
In Houston Hall's Class of 1949 Auditorium, the UPenn Philadelphia Jazz Legacy Series celebrated the late John Coltrane's 75th birthday with a free concert.
About 150 undergraduates, graduate students and community members sat in chairs, on the floor and leaned against the wall. Many closed their eyes, tapping their feet and bobbing their heads in time with the music.
"It really captured his music, his style," said Karen Smith, a Philadelphia therapist. "I felt like he was really in the room."
Following an interactive question-and-answer session, the performers played several of Coltrane's famous compositions, including "Peace on Earth."
The group also performed some of Ali's own compositions, as well as one written by saxophonist Louie Belogenis.
The concert and upcoming series were put together to promote the rich culture of cutting-edge jazz in Philadelphia.
"It's nice to play at my home," said Ali, who, like jazz greats Coltrane and Dizzie Gillesppie, was born and raised in Philadelphia.
"These guys are all masters," said Mike Parker, 25, a University of Delaware student who came because he follows the local jazz scene. "These guys are the direct heirs of the classic tradition of jazz in the '60s."
Ali, who developed the revolutionary style known as "free jazz" drumming, actually went on tour with Coltrane in Japan and recorded with him afterwards.
By the end of the night, the entire audience was mesmerized by the music; the last two songs received standing ovations as well as loud applause and "whoops" from the audience.
"The trumpeter was ridiculously good," said Elizabeth Todd, a College sophomore. "I think it was wonderful that it was free."
The series, run by the Vice Provost for University Life, consists of monthly shows.
The next concert, Ben Schacter's Trio of Many, will be in Houston Hall on Oct. 15.
