I had the honor of watching McCoy Tyner perform a few years ago in New York City. As I listened to him play from the side of the stage, a thought occurred to me more fully formed than most do. It was a thesis, really: “the case for immortality.” I wished a performer of his talent could somehow reason with the forces of nature to let him live forever, on the basis of his otherworldly abilities. I’m saddened to learn of his passing. Do yourself a favor and listen to his impeccable work both as his own bandleader and with John Coltrane Quartet.