This is one of Coltrane’s best in my opinion. It opens quite evocative with the wonderful theme of “Chim Chim Cheree” swaying and enchanting me while Coltrane gets more and more into his magical sphere of improvising. McCoy Tyner brings it down with thoughtful and mesmerizing waves of brilliant notes, light and feathery, as well as powerful chords on the keys. Then Coltrane brings it up again into the clouds and beyond to the beat of Elvin Jones’s relentless yet dynamic battery as well as Garrison’s steady double bass. Back to the theme and they bring it home, soothing it down… just brilliant.
“Brazilia”, the wonderful name of the tune peaks the interest. What kind of genius playing is cooked up in here you wonder. Is it samba-infused? Nah, hardly. When Elvin’s great drum roll snare and Coltrane’s improvisation over that comes to a conclusion and then when the entire band sets in, that’s pure magic. And the rest of the tune just flows ahead and you’ll get lost in the music in a wonderful way. What a sound as well from this vintage Impulse! 1st pressing.
Another special highlight of this album is Jimmy Garrison’s bass solo in the beginning of the last tune. For me, absolutely fantastic. Favorite tune…? Hm, it’s very difficult to choose just one on this one. But I’m leaning towards “Brazilia”. This album is highly recommended to all lovers of Coltrane and progressive 60’s jazz in general.
I have picked up some great Coltrane stuff the last months and I can’t get enough. Always looking for my next Coltrane album. There are many records still to hunt down. But the few ones I have managed to get hold of I’m very happy with. Very proud to have any Coltrane 1st pressing from the era in the collection.
Question for my readers: If you would have to choose 5 Coltrane albums as your personal picks from his catalogue, which ones would it be? Please share guys.
The good thing about Coltrane and the magic of his music, is that you forget everything else around you, cause it drags you in and demands your full attention. Which in these pandemic times, is a very good thing indeed.
Enjoy listening to your collection folks and stay tuned for more great albums coming up soon. I’ll try to put up albums a little more often maybe than I’ve been doing. We’ll see. Anyway… cheers!