Tim Lin Quartet: John Coltrane 100th Anniversary Tribute

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In 2026, jazz celebrates 100 years since the birth of John Coltrane, whose unmistakable tenor sound and restless musical imagination transformed the course of modern jazz. For this special tribute, tenor saxophonist Tim Lin leads a quartet through the musical world Coltrane helped define—from driving swing and lyrical ballads to modal exploration and open-ended improvisation. The evening puts the tenor saxophone at the center, with space for extended solos, rhythmic conversation, and the spontaneous interplay of a classic jazz quartet. Rooted deeply in bebop and modern jazz, Lin was first runner-up at the International Taichung Saxophone Competition and a 2018 finalist for the Thelonious Monk Institute College Program, where he performed before jazz greats including Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock. His latest album, Heartfelt, is his fourth recording as a leader and was released by Sony Music Taiwan. Joining him is veteran bassist Essiet Okon Essiet, Art Blakey’s final bassist, who spent two years with the Jazz Messengers and recorded three albums with the legendary bandleader. Essiet has also performed with Freddie Hubbard, Cedar Walton, Benny Golson, and Bobby Watson’s acclaimed Horizon. At the piano is Bay Area standout Charles Chen, winner of the 2019 Jazz Search West competition. His debut album, Charles, Play!, featuring Ralph Moore, Peter Washington, and Kenny Washington, was named among DownBeat’s Best Albums of 2024. Drummer Brian Fishler completes the quartet, bringing experience from both the Bay Area and New York jazz scenes, with performances at the Montreal and Montreux Jazz Festivals and collaborations spanning generations of jazz musicians. Together, the quartet honors Coltrane not simply as an icon of jazz history, but through the qualities that continue to make his music so compelling onstage: swing, intensity, lyricism, and fearless improvisation. Lineup Tim Lin — tenor saxophone Charles Chen — piano Essiet Okon Essiet — bass Brian Fishler — drums