Emmet Cohen makes music for the people. That isn’t to say he panders or dumbs it down. Cohen is simply a pianist who puts connection at the center of his performance ethic, whether he’s burning down the bandstand, lighting up a livestream or laying it down in the studio.

He has also made a point of seeking out his jazz elders and welcoming younger fans into the fold, all with a spirit of upbeat discovery. There’s a reason DownBeat’s July cover story bears the headline “Emmet Cohen: Messenger of Joy.”

Cohen recently came through Philadelphia with his tour Miles and Coltrane at 100 and stopped by WRTI for a lively chat. Along with saxophonist Tivon Pennicott, he also performed the title suite from his new album, Universal Truth.

Watch the performance of the “Universal Truth” suite: youtu.be/3O-9LYjxj88

Watch our interview with Emmet Cohen: youtu.be/N-Cps3TDKvI

• 00:00 — Intro
• 02:05 — Miles & Coltrane at 100
• 05:12 — The Rise of Emmet's Place
• 12:10 — Building a Worldwide Jazz Community
• 16:25 — Reaching New Audiences
• 22:08 — Emmet Cohen on AI
• 24:22 — Why Young People Are Finding Jazz
• 29:50 — The Meaning of Universal Truth
• 33:00 — Live Piano Performance: “Eternal Glimpse”
• 34:10 — Writing Music Inspired by Miles & Coltrane
• 37:40 — Legacy, Mentorship and What Lasts
• 40:35 — Becoming the “Vibe Provider”
• 42:42 — Josh & Nate React
• 44:44 — “This I Dig”
• 50:47 — Credits

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