The Very Best Of John Coltrane - John Coltrane

For many Coltrane is the definition of hard bop jazz, the greatest jazz saxophonist and one of the most of original and influential jazz players of all time. That given, this album ought to be bloody fantastic. The album begins with the foot stomping Giant Steps a song which has become somewhat of a signature track of Coltrane's. The playing by all musicians is lively and frenetic. It's an amazement how Coltrane manages such articulation whilstg mantaining such speed and finesse in his playing. The tune has become something of a jazz standard today alongside may others on this album... Naima is another tune that became a jazz standard. It's a stark ...  Read the complete review

The Very Best of John Coltrane Some folks in commenting on a previous review wanted me to review some 'hard jazz'; well here goes. This was just one of the 'best of' or 'greatest hits' type albums, of several that have been issues since the great mans death at the tender age of 41. It seems that the saxophone 'greats' die young and tragically; Charlie Parker, Albert Ayler. Although primarily a tenor player, he also played an awful lot of soprano (as on much of this album) and occasionally alto and clarinet, though I've not heard much of this. He was an absolute giant amongst jazz saxophonists, and along with Parker, probably ...  Read the complete review

Well I can't believe I'm the only person with an opinion on 'trane. First-off, I'm no jazz buff, I'll leave others to provide better quality critique. Who is Coltrane? Either the best saxophonist ever, or the second best (to Charlie Parker). Trane hit his stride with the Miles Davis Quintet (A Kind Of Blue is a great starting point) before venturing out on his own. Later, he went on his 'journey' , pretty much defining free-jazz (which you may consider a good or bad thing). Best entry point is the early albums. Particularly Lush Life, Blue Trane, Giant Steps, Favourite Things, Coltrane, and A Love Supreme. His ...  Read the complete review