Acclaimed Pianist Emmet Cohen - Releases Single “Well You Needn’t”

Widely regarded as one of the leading pianists of his generation, Emmet Cohen has built his reputation on bridging Jazz’s storied lineage with a deeply communal, modern approach. From his collection of Masters Legacy Series recordings—featuring icons including Jimmy Cobb, Benny Golson, Albert “Tootie” Heath, and Houston Person—to his widely popular livestream series Live From Emmet’s Place, Cohen has consistently emphasized connection across generations and audiences.

Universal Truth features classic tunes associated with the album’s twin inspirations of Miles Davis and John Coltrane, carefully curated through Cohen’s personal connection with the repertoire. For the album’s rendition of “My Funny Valentine,” Cohen brought together bassist Ron Carter and tenor saxophonist George Coleman for a poignant reunion, more than sixty years after they performed on the Miles Davis album of the same name at Lincoln Center’s Philharmonic Hall.

The rhythm section for the album is Cohen’s trio with bassist Yasushi Nakamura and drummer Joe Farnsworth, who kick off the proceedings with a taut reduction of Davis and Bud Powell’s “Budo” from The Birth of the Cool. Carter takes over the bass duties for a brisk dash through Monk’s “Well You Needn’t,” with Jeremy Pelt contributing a blistering trumpet solo. Pelt and Carter are also featured on “Gingerbread Boy,” the classic composition by Jimmy Heath - who also would have celebrated his 100th this year. The album concludes with Coltrane’s “Blue Trane,” with the twin tenors of Coleman and Tivon Pennicott joining Pelt and the trio for a rollicking excursion through the landmark tune. The centerpiece of Universal Truth is Cohen’s titular suite, an ambitious three-part composition that is as deeply personal and revelatory as anything that he has conjured to date.

“In all my research and study into John Coltrane, one phrase always stuck out,” Cohen explains. “‘Universal Truth.’ When Trane talked about his artistry and his calling, his intention was always to seek that universal truth. I interpret that to mean his higher power, his version of God, his connection to the source that connects and calls to every living thing on Earth.”

With Universal Truth, Emmet Cohen celebrates the great discoveries of past masters by making his own search for the endless revelations contained within those simple, profound, vast universal truths.

Tracklisting:

1. Budo

2. Well You Needn't

3. My Funny Valentine

4. Gingerbread Boy

5. I. Eternal Glimpse

6. II. Compassion

7. III. Universal Truth

8. Blue Trane

Florida Tour & Cruise Dates

Friday, May 8th, 2026: Miami, Florida - Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts Sunday, May 17th, 2026: Buffalo, New York - Kleinhans

Music Hall

Monday, May 25th, 2026: Livestream - Live From Emmet’s Place (Universal Truth Release Show)

Sunday, January 17th, 2027 - Sunday, January 24th, 2027: The Jazz Cruise

Sunday, January 24th, 2027 - Sunday, January 31st, 2027: Journey of Jazz Cruise

About Emmet Cohen

Emmet Cohen is widely regarded as a leading Jazz pianist of his generation and a defining force in the evolution of the art form. A virtuoso musician, producer, and bandleader, he combines deep respect for Jazz tradition with a singular ability to create connection, community, and momentum in the modern era. Cohen has released 12 albums as a leader and is the producer and creative force behind Live From Emmet’s Place, a landmark series comprising over 140 two-hour livestream performances featuring hundreds of musicians spanning generations and reaching more than 100 million views worldwide. A Mack Avenue recording artist, Cohen has performed in over 40 countries, serves as host of The Jazz Cruise and a member of its programming team, and he has been chosen as Artistic Partner of the 2027 American Piano Awards. He was named DownBeat Readers Poll Pianist of the Year (2025) and, in 2023, received both Pianist of the Year and Livestream Producer of the Year honors from the Jazz Journalists Association.