Remembering John Coltrane and Miles Davis at Villa Trossi

One hundred years ago, two of the greatest musicians in jazz history were born: Miles Davis and John Coltrane. To commemorate this exceptional centennial, Estate a Villa Trossi presents the show “Remembering John Coltrane & Miles Davis”, performed by the Rasenna Jazz Messengers, a Livorno-based project that will take the stage with three musicians: Giulio Boschi on double bass, Max Fantolini on piano, and Mattia Donati on guitar and vocals. The month of June closes in the garden of Villa Trossi Uberti in Livorno, where the 2026 edition of the festival promoted by the Fondazione d’Arte Trossi-Uberti and conceived by the Associazione Pietro Napoli is taking place.

An appointment with jazz history, exploring the richness of the collaboration between trumpeter Miles Davis and saxophonist John Coltrane, who together created one of the most legendary formations of all time (often referred to as Miles Davis’ First Quintet, born in 1955). Together with pianist Red Garland, bassist Paul Chambers, and drummer Philly Joe Jones, they literally rewrote the codes of hard bop and modal jazz.

The Rasenna Jazz Messengers (also known as Rasenna Music Art) are a musical and cultural project active in Livorno, led by double bassist and artistic director Giulio Boschi and pianist Max Fantolini. Although their most famous and active formation is the duo, the repertoire is frequently expanded to a trio with the collaboration of guitarist and singer Mattia Donati, who, like the others, has collaborated with great musicians in the field. The occasion is delightful to listen to an evening of sophisticated jazz exactly 100 years after the birth of Miles Davis and John Coltrane.

But not only that, because during the show homage will also be paid to two other great artists born in 1926: Ray Brown, an American, who has established himself as one of the most influential jazz bassists; Ernesto Mussi, from Livorno, a musician but also a poet, painter, and ceramist. Known abroad as well, especially in England and the United States where he spent various periods of his life, Mussi came into contact with many famous artists, including Miles Davis himself, for whom he also created a highly appreciated painting.

The Rasenna Jazz Messengers will therefore pay an extended tribute, proposing some pieces of these great artists, as well as others from the jazz tradition, and there are also some original pieces written by Giulio Boschi and dedicated to these legendary figures. Solo, duo, and trio moments will alternate during the concert conceived by a reality that aims to spread jazz culture in the city. Born in 2014 as a solo project by Giulio Boschi, Rasenna Jazz Messengers then expanded thanks to live encounters with other musicians in harmony with the intent to delve into the history of this musical genre and make it increasingly accessible to the public.