Coltrane's Sound

Artist: John Coltrane

Number of Discs: 1

Total time: 49:41
Label: Atlantic
Availability: In stock
Item #: 5183813

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

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Review

This is one of the most highly underrated entries in Coltrane's voluminous catalog. Although the same overwhelming attention bestowed upon My Favorite Things was not given to Coltrane's Sound upon its initial release, both were actually recorded during the same three-day period in the fall of 1960. So prolific were those recording dates, they informed no less than five different Coltrane albums on Atlantic. The title could not have been more accurate, as each of the six pieces -- eight if you count the CD bonus tracks -- bear the unmistakable and indelible stamp of Coltrane's early-'60s style. "The Night Has a Thousand Eyes" and "Body and Soul" -- the only tracks not penned by Coltrane -- are given unique and distinctive voices. Animating the arrangements on these sessions were Coltrane (soprano/tenor sax), Steve Davis (bass), Elvin Jones (drums), and McCoy Tyner (piano). It's perhaps Tyner's recollection of the quartet as "four pistons in an engine" that most aptly explains the singular drive heard during Coltrane's extended runs on "Liberia." Tyner flawlessly complements Coltrane with full resonating chords that cling to his volley of sound. The rhythmic gymnastics of percussionist Jones is also showcased as his double-jointed bop swing and military band precision are distinctly displayed on the blues "Equinox." The opening six bars give Jones a chance to make a contrasting statement -- which he takes full advantage of. The two CD bonus tracks -- "26-2" as well as an alternate take of "Body and Soul" -- are also available on the Heavyweight Champion: The Complete Atlantic Recordings box set. Regardless of the format, these recordings remain among Trane's finest. ~ Lindsay Planer, All Music Guide

Read About This Recording

John Coltrane made such a permanent impact on jazz that it is difficult to believe that he only had 12 years in the spotlight (1955-67). Coltrane's sound on tenor was utterly unique, he was responsible for the soprano-sax being accepted as a major instrument in modern jazz, his explorative sheets of sound brought the chordal improvisation of bebop to its logical extreme, and he was the main pacesetter in jazz of the 1960s when his music quickly evolved from hard bop to free jazz and sound explorations. So powerful has his influence been that many of the saxophonists who followed him have carved out entire careers based on just one of Trane's periods.

It took Coltrane a bit of time before he was ready to lead jazz. A professional by 1946, he spent the next eight years in relative obscurity despite having an association with Dizzy Gillespie (in his big band and 1950-51 sextet) and playing in the groups of Johnny Hodges and Eddie Cleanhead Vinson. In 1955, when he became the tenor saxophonist with the Miles Davis Quintet, Coltrane began to be noticed and he developed quickly and steadily during the dozen years that he had left.

In 1960 when he recorded Coltrane's Sound, the saxophonist had started to lead his own quartet which at the time also included pianist McCoy Tyner, bassist Steve Davis and drummer Elvin Jones. Among the famous gems on this CD are "Central Park West," Trane's eerie blues "Equinox," "Satellite" and modernized renditions of "Body and Soul" (heard on two versions) and "The Night Has a Thousand Eyes."

John Coltrane's energetic and tireless solos are full of consistently stimulating ideas and never run out of steam, showing why he is considered one of the true innovative forces of jazz history.

—Scott Yanow

Product Info

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

The Night Has a Thousand Eyes; Central Park West; Liberia; Body and Soul; Equinox; Satellite; 26-2; Body and Soul.*

(*Includes alternate take.)

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

CD Special Features

One of Trane's top albums!

Deluxe packaging with original LP artwork and new and original liner notes.
With the classics Central Park West and Equinox.
Plus, special bonus tracks of 26-2 and an alternate take of Body and Soul.

Tracks + Soundclips

Coltrane's Sound
	1. Night Has a Thousand Eyes	6:53
	2. Central Park West	4:16
	3. Liberia	6:53
	4. Body and Soul	5:40
	5. Equinox	8:38
	6. Satellite	5:56
	7. 26-2 [*]	6:17
	8. Body and Soul [Alternate Take][*]	5:58