John Coltrane was born 100 years ago today. In celebration of this occasion I’m posting this classic on Atlantic which has eluded me for years.
Such an iconic album with a title track for the ages. It’s so bloody good. No wonder the album gained major commercial success.
At this time, pre Reggie Workman and Jimmy Garrison, Steve Davis played double bass. The rest of the classic quartet is intact.
When we get past the brilliant title tune we have Cole Porter’s ”Everytime We Say Goodbye”, on which Coltrane is playing sweet and lovely. He truly was a ballad master. The second side kicks off with the classic standard ”Summertime” by George Gershwin and it’s a treat. Coltrane cooks for sure and the flurry of notes are hitting just right. It’s rapid but warm, virtuosic but not just cold technique, it’s so much soul in his playing.
Last tune is ”But Not For Me”, another classic standard. It swings, it’s lyrical it’s upbeat. A great conclusion to a wonderful album that at last has found itself onto my shelf.
Happy Birthday Trane!
