John William Coltrane also known as "Trane" was an American jazz saxophonist and composer. Working in the bebop and hard bop idioms early in his career Coltrane helped pioneer the use of modes in jazz and was later at the forefront of free jazz. He led at least fifty recording sessions during his career and appeared as a sideman on many albums by other musicians including trumpeter Miles Davis and pianist Thelonious Monk.