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The guitarist recorded the late jazz master’s composition with Chris Speed, Kaveh Rastegar and Aaron Steele.
By Andy Kahn Sep 23, 2026 • 1:02 pm PDT
Guitarist Jeff Parker released a recording of John Coltrane’s “Miles’ Mode” to mark what would have been the jazz master’s 100th birthday today. Parker cut the track with tenor saxophonist Chris Speed, electric bassist Kaveh Rastegar and drummer Aaron Steele.
Speed is known for his work with The Bad Plus, Rastegar with Kneebody and Steele with Chrome Sparks. Rastegar recorded and engineered the session held in March in San Marino, California, and also created the single’s cover art.
“John Coltrane has been a steady muse for me ever since I started to study his music at a young age,” Parker explained. “It’s an honor to pay tribute to him on the occasion of his centennial with three of my favourite musicians from the Los Angeles music community.”
The single follows Happy Today, Parker’s album with his ETA IVtet, which was released in May. Parker was also an integral contributor to Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea’s jazz-oriented solo album, Honora, and toured with Flea as a member of the Honora Band, which includes Parker’s ETA IVtet cohorts, bassist Anna Butterss and drummer Josh Johnson.
Legendary jazz saxophonist John Coltrane was born on September 23, 1926, in Hamlet, North Carolina. He first gained attention playing in Miles Davis’ quintet in the 1950s before branching out as bandleader. Coltrane recorded landmark jazz albums like 1960’s Giant Steps and 1965’s A Love Supreme before his untimely death on July 17, 1967, at age 40.
Coltrane’s composition, “Miles’ Mode,” first appeared on his 1962 album Coltrane. The track was recorded at Van Gelder Studio with pianist McCoy Tyner, bassist Jimmy Garrison and drummer Elvin Jones.
Press play below to hear Jeff Parker’s “Miles’ Mode” arrangement honoring John Coltrane:
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