Acclaimed Pianist Emmet Cohen Releases Single “Well You Needn’t” Ahead of New Album Universal Truth

Acclaimed pianist, composer, and bandleader Emmet Cohen today releases his swinging rendition of Thelonious Monk’s “Well You Needn’t”, the lead single from his upcoming album Universal Truth (out May 29 via Mack Avenue Records). Recorded in celebration of the 2026 centennial of jazz icons Miles Davis and John Coltrane, the track features jazz royalty Ron Carter on bass, Jeremy Pelt on trumpet, and Joe Farnsworth on drums.

Universal Truth honors Cohen’s forebears by carrying forward their spirit of personal and spiritual discovery, blending classic repertoire with his distinctive, modern approach. The album also features George Coleman on tenor saxophone, as well as Cohen’s regular trio of bassist Yasushi Nakamura and drummer Joe Farnsworth. Highlights include poignant reunions on “My Funny Valentine” with Carter and Coleman, fiery interpretations of Monk’s “Budo” and Jimmy Heath’s “Gingerbread Boy”, and a rollicking ensemble rendition of Coltrane’s “Blue Trane.”

Cohen’s titular three-part suite, “Universal Truth”, is an ambitious centerpiece that channels his personal journey and ongoing exploration of the profound concepts that shaped his musical heroes. “In all my research and study into John Coltrane, one phrase always stuck out: ‘Universal Truth,’” Cohen explains. “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.”

A leading pianist of his generation, Cohen is also the creative force behind Live From Emmet’s Place, a livestream series featuring over 140 two-hour performances with hundreds of musicians across generations, reaching more than 100 million views worldwide. His recordings, including the Masters Legacy Series, consistently emphasize connection, lineage, and discovery.

Tracklisting – Universal Truth

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

Tour Dates – 2026–2027

• Apr 4: Gainesville, FL – University of Florida
• Apr 6-7: La Jolla, CA – Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center
• Apr 8: Stanford, CA – Bing Concert Hall
• Apr 9: San Francisco, CA – SFJAZZ Center
• Apr 10: Rohnert Park, CA – Sonoma State University
• Apr 11: Irvine, CA – Irvine Barclay Theatre
• Apr 12: Santa Barbara, CA – Campbell Hall
• Apr 14: Santa Cruz, CA – Kuumbwa Jazz Center
• Apr 16-19: Seattle, WA – Jazz Alley
• Apr 21: West Vancouver, BC – Kay Meek Arts Centre
• Apr 22: Portland, OR – The Old Church Concert Hall
• Apr 27: Livestream – Live From Emmet’s Place (feat. Veronica Swift)
• Apr 30: International Jazz Day Celebration – Chicago, IL (with Herbie Hancock)
• May 2: Danbury, CT – Western Connecticut State University
• May 8: Miami, FL – Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts
• May 17: Buffalo, NY – Kleinhans Music Hall
• May 25: Livestream – Live From Emmet’s Place (Universal Truth Release Show)
• May 28: Los Angeles, CA – The Wallis with Pacific Jazz Orchestra
• Jun 11: Cincinnati, OH – Caffe Vivace
• Jun 12: Lakeside, OH – Hoover Auditorium
• Jun 14: Boone, NC – Appalachian Theatre of the High Country
• Jun 22: Livestream – Live From Emmet’s Place (feat. Chris Potter)
• Jul 8-12: New York, NY – Smoke Jazz Club
• Jul 25: Katonah, NY – Caramoor
• Sept 5-6: Washington, DC – DC Jazz Fest
• Sept 8-12: New York, NY – Birdland NYC
• Sept 18-25: Botti @ Sea
• Oct 9: Provo, UT – BYU
• Oct 11: Berkeley, CA – Freight and Salvage
• Jan 12-17: David Foster at Sea
• Jan 17-24: The Jazz Cruise
• Jan 24-31: Journey of Jazz Cruise
• Feb 12: Boston, MA – Berklee Performance Center
• Feb 19-21: Northridge, CA – Cal State Northridge

With Universal Truth, Cohen celebrates the discoveries of the past masters while charting his own spiritual and musical journey. The album is available for preorder now via Mack Avenue Records, with digital, CD, and vinyl editions.