The Real McCoy

Philadelphia has always been, and still is, a hotbed for music: Marian Anderson, Paul Robeson, John Coltrane, Bud Powell, Patti Labelle, Grover Washington, The Roots, Jill Scott, Musiq, The Philadelphia Orchestra.

Pianist McCoy Tynercomes straight from that vein. The West Philadelphia and keyboard virtuoso, who set a jazz standard as part of the John Coltrane quartet, layed new ground for the six years (1960-66) he was with the tenor saxophonist. The group's classic suite, "A Love Supreme" still reigns supreme.

Tyner returns home tonight to play at a Temple concert in his honor Saturday. On Sunday, organizers will laud him with a "This Is Your Life" kind of tribute.

At 67, Tyner still tours the world with his trio but he still thinks of his days with Coltrane.

He remembers one day Coltrane gave the band members some sheet music; it was "My Favorite Things." "I thought, this is from The Sound of Music. With Julie Andrews. Boy, how are we gonna do this? But John something in mind, and it became one of the signature pieces of the band."

Sure did. Thank you McCoy, for keeping up with 'Trane and keeping it real.