Tag: John Coltrane

Title: John Coltrane – Coltrane (1957) [Analogue Productions 2012]
Genre: Jazz
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

On his first session as a bandleader, tenor saxophonist John Coltrane is joined by Johnny Splawn on trumpet, Sahib Shihab on baritone sax, and a rhythm section of bassist Paul Chambers and drummer Albert “Tootie” Heath with piano duties split between Mal Waldron and Red Garland. Right out of the gate, the propulsive syncopated beat that drives through the heart of Coltrane’s fellow Philly denizen Calvin Massey’s “Bakai” indicates that Coltrane and company are playing for keeps. Shihab’s emphatic and repetitive drone provides a manic urgency that fuels the participants as they weave in and out of the trance-like chorus. Coltrane grabs hold with bright and aggressive lines, turning the minor-chord progressions around into a spirited and soulful outing. While the refined and elegant “Violets for Your Furs” as well as the slinky and surreptitious “While My Lady Sleeps” are undeniably ballads, they aren’t redundant. Rather, each complements the other with somewhat alternate approaches. “Violets for Your Furs” develops the role of the more traditional pop standard, whereas the somnolence is disrupted by the tension and release coursing just below the surface of “While My Lady Sleeps.” The Coltrane-supplied “Straight Street” is replete with the angular progressions that would become his stock-in-trade. In fact, the short clusters of notes that Coltrane unleashes are unmistakable beacons pointing toward his singular harmonics and impeccably timed phrasing on 1960’s Giant Steps and beyond. The closer, “Chronic Blues,” demonstrates Coltrane’s increasing capacity for writing and arranging for an ensemble. The thick unified sound of Coltrane, Splawn, and Shihab presents a formidable presence as they blow the minor-chord blues chorus together before dissolving into respective solos. The trio’s divergent styles prominently rise, pitting Shihab’s down-and-dirty growl against Coltrane’s comparatively sweet tones and Splawn’s vacillating cool and fiery fingering. Regardless of the listener’s expertise, Coltrane is as enjoyable as it is thoroughly accessible.

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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.

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Title: John Coltrane – Blue Train (1957) [Reissue 2003]
Genre: Jazz
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Although never formally signed, an oral agreement between John Coltrane and Blue Note Records founder Alfred Lion was indeed honored on Blue Train — Coltrane’s only collection of sides as a principal artist for the venerable label. The disc is packed solid with sonic evidence of Coltrane’s innate leadership abilities. He not only addresses the tunes at hand, but also simultaneously reinvents himself as a multifaceted interpreter of both hard bop as well as sensitive balladry — touching upon all forms in between. The personnel on Blue Train is arguably as impressive as what they’re playing. Joining Coltrane (tenor sax) are Lee Morgan (trumpet), Curtis Fuller (trombone), Kenny Drew (piano), Paul Chambers (bass), and Philly Joe Jones (drums). The triple horn arrangements incorporate an additional sonic density that remains a trademark unique to both this band and album. Of particular note is Fuller’s even-toned trombone, which bops throughout the title track as well as the frenetic “Moments Notice.” Other solos include Paul Chambers’ subtly understated riffs on “Blue Train” as well as the high energy and impact from contributions by Lee Morgan and Kenny Drew during “Locomotion.” The track likewise features some brief but vital contributions from Philly Joe Jones — whose efforts throughout the record stand among his personal best. Of the five sides that comprise the original Blue Train, the Jerome Kern/Johnny Mercer ballad “I’m Old Fashioned” is the only standard; in terms of unadulterated sentiment, this version is arguably untouchable. Fuller’s rich tones and Drew’s tastefully executed solos cleanly wrap around Jones’ steadily languid rhythms. Without reservation, Blue Train can easily be considered in and among the most important and influential entries not only of John Coltrane’s career, but of the entire genre of jazz music as well.

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Title: John Coltrane – Blue Train (1957) [Analogue Productions 2008]
Genre: Jazz
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Although never formally signed, an oral agreement between John Coltrane and Blue Note Records founder Alfred Lion was indeed honored on Blue Train — Coltrane’s only collection of sides as a principal artist for the venerable label. The disc is packed solid with sonic evidence of Coltrane’s innate leadership abilities. He not only addresses the tunes at hand, but also simultaneously reinvents himself as a multifaceted interpreter of both hard bop as well as sensitive balladry — touching upon all forms in between. The personnel on Blue Train is arguably as impressive as what they’re playing. Joining Coltrane (tenor sax) are Lee Morgan (trumpet), Curtis Fuller (trombone), Kenny Drew (piano), Paul Chambers (bass), and Philly Joe Jones (drums). The triple horn arrangements incorporate an additional sonic density that remains a trademark unique to both this band and album. Of particular note is Fuller’s even-toned trombone, which bops throughout the title track as well as the frenetic “Moments Notice.” Other solos include Paul Chambers’ subtly understated riffs on “Blue Train” as well as the high energy and impact from contributions by Lee Morgan and Kenny Drew during “Locomotion.” The track likewise features some brief but vital contributions from Philly Joe Jones — whose efforts throughout the record stand among his personal best. Of the five sides that comprise the original Blue Train, the Jerome Kern/Johnny Mercer ballad “I’m Old Fashioned” is the only standard; in terms of unadulterated sentiment, this version is arguably untouchable. Fuller’s rich tones and Drew’s tastefully executed solos cleanly wrap around Jones’ steadily languid rhythms. Without reservation, Blue Train can easily be considered in and among the most important and influential entries not only of John Coltrane’s career, but of the entire genre of jazz music as well.
https://www.discogs.com/release/3338194-John-Coltrane-Blue-Train

hraudio | allmusic | discogs

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Title: John Coltrane – A Love Supreme (1964) [Analogue Productions 2010]
Genre: Jazz
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Easily one of the most important records ever made, John Coltrane’s A Love Supreme was his pinnacle studio outing that at once compiled all of his innovations from his past, spoke of his current deep spirituality, and also gave a glimpse into the next two and a half years (sadly, those would be his last). Recorded at the end of 1964, Trane’s classic quartet of Elvin Jones, McCoy Tyner, and Jimmy Garrison stepped into the studio and created one of the most thought-provoking, concise, and technically pleasing albums of their bountiful relationship (not to mention his best-selling to date). From the undulatory (and classic) bassline at the intro to the last breathy notes, Trane is at the peak of his logical yet emotionally varied soloing while the rest of the group is remarkably in tune with Coltrane’s spiritual vibe. Composed of four parts, each has a thematic progression leading to an understanding of spirituality through meditation. From the beginning, “Acknowledgement” is the awakening of sorts that trails off to the famous chanting of the theme at the end, which yields to the second act, “Resolution,” an amazingly beautiful piece about the fury of dedication to a new path of understanding. “Persuance” is a search for that understanding, and “Psalm” is the enlightenment. Although he is at times aggressive and atonal, this isn’t Trane at his most adventurous (pretty much everything recorded from here on out progressively becomes much more free, and live recordings from this period are extremely spirited), but it certainly is his best attempt at the realization of concept — as the spiritual journey is made amazingly clear. A Love Supreme clocks in at just over 30 minutes, but if it had been any longer it could have turned into a laborious listen. As it stands, just enough is conveyed. It is almost impossible to imagine a world without A Love Supreme having been made, and it is equally impossible to imagine any jazz collection without it.
https://www.discogs.com/release/3363851-John-Coltrane-A-Love-Supreme

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