Coltrane Plays the Blues

Read About This Recording

One of the most important jazz musicians of all time, John Coltrane ranks at the top in significance, influence and musicianship with Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis. As a tenor-saxophonist, Coltrane originally developed his sound out of the boppish style of Dexter Gordon, evolving during his last dozen years (1955-67) at a steady pace from complex chordal improvisations to sound explorations. He was a major force in hard bop, modal music, the avant-garde and free jazz. On soprano, which he began playing in 1960, Coltrane revived the instrument and took stirring flights influenced by Eastern music. After making a major impact during two stints with Miles Davis’ quintet and sextet (1955-56 and 1958-60) and with Thelonious Monk’s quartet (1957), Coltrane led his own groups during 1960-67. During that period he was considered the main pacesetter in jazz.

Coltrane Plays the Blues, recorded October 24, 1960, was a change of pace, for it features Coltrane performing six different blues, five of which are his originals. Joined by pianist McCoy Tyner, bassist Steve Davis and drummer Elvin Jones, Trane is heard on soprano for two of the numbers including “Blues to Bechet” (a tribute to the earlier soprano-sax great Sidney Bechet). The six numbers are joined by four alternate takes and “Exotica,” each of which were recorded at the same session.

—Scott Yanow

Product Info

Cover art displayed on website may vary from product shipped. Please see printed catalog for accurate cover art.

Contents

Blues to Elvin*; Blues to Bechet; Blues to You*; Mr. Day; Mr. Syms; Mr. Knight; Untitled Original (Exotica).

(*Includes alternate takes.)

John Coltrane, Tenor/Soprano Saxes; McCoy Tyner, Piano; Steve Davis, Bass; Elvin Jones, Drums.

CD Special Features

The entire album sessions on 1 CD for the first time!

• Newly remastered, with 5 bonus tracks.

• Featuring original LP artwork and liner notes, plus new notes by Neil Tesser