While at SFJAZZ to honor the work of Miles Davis and John Coltrane for their centennials in 2026, pianist and composer Emmet Cohen gives us his unvarnished takes on subjects including institutional jazz education versus learning on the bandstand, young jazz audiences, his favorite Miles and Coltrane bands, eating before or after the gig, and jazz in the digital age.

Emmet’s 2026 concert devoted to Miles and Coltrane will premiere on Fridays Live on 9/4.

Watch the full concert on YouTube.

ABOUT EMMET COHEN:
Winner of the 2019 American Pianists Award and finalist in the 2011 Thelonious Monk International Piano Competition, virtuoso Emmet Cohen is among the most acclaimed pianists in jazz, known widely as a member of bass great Christian McBride’s Tip City and music director with vocal phenom Veronica Swift, along with his stellar work as a bandleader. His debut in Miner Auditorium will include his working quintet and focus on the music of Miles Davis and John Coltrane in honor of their centennials in 2026.
The prodigious pianist started piano studies at three and released his 2011 debut In the Element while still enrolled at University of Florida’s Frost School of Music. He has accumulated nearly 20 major awards and honors over his career and created the acclaimed Masters Legacy Series of recordings and interviews in 2016 featuring collaboration with Ron Carter, Benny Golson, Albert “Tootie” Heath, George Coleman, and Houston Person.
Cohen has been a member of the bands led by drumming luminaries Herlin Riley and Ali Jackson and hosted the wildly popular YouTube series Live From Emmet’s Place with a procession of special guests.
Cohen has led 12 albums including his newest Mack Avenue release, 2024’s Vibe Provider, and honors the legacy of Miles and Coltrane in his own virtuosic style.