Who was Coltrane's musical equal?

avant garde and free jazz

The world is still waiting for that person to appear.
I could take the easy out and say Miles Davis however, I believe of all Coltranes contemporaries he was the one that truly came the closest.

good answer but some would say eric dolphy. Report It

Donald Byrd.

i have to go with bird. parker was a phenomenal player, his solo are incredible.

Tossup between Miles and Monk.