John Coltrane – Blue Train: The Complete Masters (Remastered, Special Edition) (1957/2022) [SACD / Blue Note – UCGQ-9030]

Title: John Coltrane – Blue Train: The Complete Masters (Remastered, Special Edition) (1957/2022)
Genre: Jazz
Format: SACD ISO

A Historic Discovery! A definitive collection marking the 65th anniversary of the recording of *Blue Train*, featuring previously unreleased takes including the very first recordings! 

 *Blue Train* is the timeless masterpiece recorded by John Coltrane in 1957—his only album as bandleader for Blue Note. Though it is one of the most popular works in jazz history, to commemorate the 65th anniversary of its recording, the release of the definitive edition *Blue Train: Complete Masters* has been announced. This edition features the original album with the latest remastering, plus seven alternate takes. Four of these seven alternate takes are making their absolute debut on this release—a historic discovery. The original album’s monaural version will also be released simultaneously with the latest remastering. 

This release is part of Blue Note’s recent reissue series, “Tone Poet.” Under the supervision of producer John Harley—known as the “Poet of Sound”—mastering expert Kevin Gray has meticulously remastered the original analog masters.

Commenting on this release, John Harrell stated, “There is no studio experience that rivals the thrill of listening to the original masters of *Blue Train* (mono, stereo, and alternate takes). I consider these two new versions to be the definitive editions of this legendary performance by John Coltrane.” Additionally, Ashley Kahn, who wrote the new liner notes for this release, notes in the liner notes: “‘Blue Train’ was a recording that Coltrane, who was always self-critical and modest, held in high regard. In 1960, during his final tour with Miles Davis, when a Swedish DJ asked Coltrane what he liked best in his catalog, he replied immediately: ‘Oh, I like Blue Train. It’s got a good band on it. It was a good recording,’ he said.”

In 1957, Coltrane hit rock bottom after being fired from the Miles Davis Quintet due to his heroin addiction. However, a long-term collaboration with Thelonious Monk at the Five Spot Café served as the catalyst for him to kick his heroin habit, and he began performing with passion once again. “Blue Train” is a rare masterpiece created by Coltrane following this miraculous comeback. It became not only one of his early signature works, of which he himself was deeply proud, but also an eternal classic in the history of jazz. This discovery is set to be a truly historic event, revealing the full scope of this masterpiece for the first time.

hraudio | allmusic | discogs

Tracklist:

Disk1 (Stereo)
1. Blue Train 10:43
2. Moment’s Notice 9:10
3. Locomotion 7:14
4. I’m Old Fashioned 7:58
5. Lazy Bird 7:07
6. Blue Train – (False Start) 0:21
7. Blue Train – (Alternate Take 7) 7:08
8. Moment’s Notice – (Alternate Take 4) 7:19
9. Lazy Bird – (Alternate Take 1) 9:21
10. Blue Train – (Alternate Take 8) 10:28
11. Moment’s Notice – (Alternate Take 5A Incomplete) 5:08
12. Lazy Bird – (Alternate Take 2) 7:29

Disk2 (Mono)
1. Blue Train 10:40
2. Moment’s Notice 9:09
3. Locomotion 7:13
4. I’m Old Fashioned 7:58
5. Lazy Bird 7:07

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