We Speak Music
Sky Canyon Reimagines a Jazz Masterpiece with New Single “Equinox”
A heartfelt tribute to the enduring legacy of John Coltrane, interpreted through vibraphone-driven artistry and decades of musical mastery
Sky Canyon returns with another terrific jazz recording: The release of his new single, “Equinox,” a deeply personal and beautifully crafted interpretation of the classic composition originally recorded by jazz legend John Coltrane in 1960 and released in 1964. Rooted in reverence for the original while infused with Sky Canyon’s own unmistakable musical voice, the new recording captures the spirit of the timeless piece through a fresh and emotionally resonant lens.
The story behind the title “Equinox” has long fascinated jazz fans. According to Coltrane, the tune was named by his wife because his birthday fell on September 23 — the autumn equinox — inspiring even the cover imagery for Sky Canyon’s version of the composition.
“I’ve loved this classic since I first heard it as a teenager in the 1960s,” says Sky Canyon. “I decided to do a cover, taking a traditional approach to the arrangement, with the Latin-feel eight-bar intro, then into the two heads, solos, two heads at the end and similar outro, just as Coltrane did.”
While the arrangement honors the architecture of the original recording, the performance is not just another re-hash of the original. Rather, it is an authentic expression of these gifted musicians, each bringing their own identity and artistry to the piece.
“Of course it’s me on vibraphone, and the extraordinary Eric Gunnison on piano, for the solos,” he adds. “I LOVE Eric’s inspired performance, and we’re both doing what we do, rather than attempting to invoke Coltrane and McCoy Tyner.”
Joining Sky Canyon and Eric Gunnison on the recording are acclaimed musicians Ron Bland on upright bass and Mike Marlier on drums, both contributing dynamic performances that give the track its own character, feel, and momentum. The resulting recording stretches to approximately 8 minutes and 40 seconds — nearly mirroring the length of Coltrane’s iconic version — creating an immersive listening experience that balances tradition with individuality.
“My desire and hope for the listener are that it invokes the classic arrangement feel,” notes Sky Canyon, “and with this version that it is as engaging and transformative as Coltrane’s original.”
A veteran musician with more than five decades in the music world, Sky Canyon has built a remarkable career spanning jazz, rock, classical, Latin, and new age music. A former principal percussionist in symphony orchestras and a student of legendary jazz vibraphonist Terry Gibbs, Sky Canyon draws upon a lifetime of musical exploration and technical mastery in his work. His latest release reflects both his deep respect for jazz history and his enduring passion for artistic expression.
With “Equinox,” Sky Canyon delivers more than a cover — he offers a thoughtful conversation between generations of jazz musicians, preserving the soul of a classic while allowing it to breathe anew through his own creative spirit.
Swiss artist Fanny Alexandra returns with “Black Pearl Summer”, a new single that finds her exploring a more open side of her alternative sound. Released via Now Listen, the track combines coastal imagery with a story about growing through grief, pressure and the experiences that can shape a person over time.
Alexandra notes that the song is relatively summery by her own standards. She has said that her music is usually darker and that she has never been particularly drawn to the typical idea of summer, preferring cold air, jackets and rugged coastlines. That gives the release a clear sense of personality from the outset.
The song centres on Alexandra’s reflections on being 19 and spending years focused on survival rather than fully living. Those experiences are presented through the image of a black pearl, which becomes a way of considering how something worthwhile can emerge from a challenging period.
What makes the track particularly effective is the balance between its subject matter and its musical approach. The production gives the song room to breathe, while Alexandra keeps the focus firmly on the story she is telling. It means the track can be enjoyed as a seasonal release while still offering more to discover in the lyrics.
There is also a clear sense of change in the way Alexandra approaches her younger self. The song is not about returning to that period or trying to erase it. Instead, it considers what can be learned from experiences that once felt overwhelming.
“Black Pearl Summer” therefore offers newcomers a useful introduction to Alexandra’s work. It shows an artist comfortable writing about serious subjects, while also demonstrating a lighter musical side that may not be as familiar to listeners who know her darker material.
It is an interesting glimpse of what Alexandra can do when she lets a little more light into the picture.
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