John Coltrane Blue Train CD

This Enhanced-CD version of BLUE TRAIN features audio tracks from BLUE TRAIN, interviews with jazz musicians (including Curtis Fuller, who played trombone on BLUE TRAIN), still pictures and video clips from the period, and a multimedia biography of Coltrane.

Digitally remastered by Joe Tarantino (1996, Fantasy Studios, Berkeley, California).

With 1957's BLUE TRAIN, John Coltrane not only firmly established his own voice on the tenor saxophone, but also proved his abilities as a bandleader and composer. The musicians on BLUE TRAIN, hand-picked by Coltrane himself, play superbly, not only as individuals, but also as a cohesive unit--a rare occurence in an era where "all-star" ensembles would come together for one session, then disband just as quickly. Nineteen-year-old trumpeter Lee Morgan spins bop lines in a warm tone, belying his age with his extraordinary playing, while drummer Philly Joe Jones and bassist Paul Chambers keep BLUE TRAIN running with impressive agility.

Two of Coltrane's compositions here, "Moment's Notice" and "Lazy Bird," contain the seeds of harmonic exploration to be found in his later work. At this stage of his career, Trane was still occupied with blowing over increasingly challenging chord changes. His unique tone could be warm and sweet or sharp and insistent, but is always amazingly expressive. Throughout this revered album, Coltrane packs more emotion into one phrase than most arists are capable of in a whole tune.

Recorded in 1957, BLUE TRAIN is considered by the artist himself to be his finest work. In the mid-50's, Trane played with Miles Davis and Thelonius Monk, and he used the experience to propel himself to new heights of improvisational hard bop. The elements that comprise BLUE TRAIN would come to influence every generation of musicians that followed.

The bluesy title track kicks in with an extended Coltrane tenor sax solo. Four years later Coltrane would also adopt soprano sax into his fold. This leads into solos by Lee Morgan on trumpet, Curtis Fuller on trombone, Kenny Drew on piano and Paul Chambers brings it home on the bass. Philly Joe Jones keeps the beat impeccably throughout, with a slight shuffle. "Moment's Notice" quickens the pace and showcases Jones' more intricate drumming. "Locomotion" takes an almost rock 'n' roll pace with the sax and trumpet playing in perfect tandem. Coltrane then shows h

Digitally remastered by Ron McMaster.

Additional Tracks

Recorded at Van Gelder Studios, Hackensack, New Jersey. Includes liner notes by Michael Cuscuna.

Recorded at the Ven Gelder Studios, Hackensack, New Jersey between August 16, 1957 and May 23, 1958. Includes liner notes by Stuart Kremsky.

Recorded at Van Gelder Studio, Hackensack, New Jersey on September 15, 1957. Originally released on Blue Note (81577). Includes liner notes by Robert Levin and Bob Blumenthal.

Personnel includes: John Coltrane (tenor saxophone); Lee Morgan (trumpet); Curtis Fuller (trombone); Kenny Drew (piano); Paul Chambers (bass); "Philly" Joe Jones (drums).

Producer: Alfred Lion.

Reissue producer: Michael Cuscuna.

Personnel: John Coltrane (alto & tenor saxophones); Gene Ammons, Paul Quinichette (tenor saxophone); Pepper Adams (baritone saxophone); Donald Byrd (trumpet); Jerome Richardson (flute); Tommy Flanagan, Red Garland, Mal Waldron (piano); Kenny Burrell (guitar); Paul Chambers, George Joyner, Earl May (bass); Jimmy Cobb, Arthur Taylor (drums).

Producer: Bob Weinstock.

Compilation producer: Ed Michel.

Personnel: John Coltrane (tenor saxophone); Lee Morgan (trumpet); Curtis Fuller (trombone); Kenny Drew (piano); Philly Joe Jones (drums).

Audio Remasterer: Rudy Van Gelder.

Liner Note Authors: Michael Cuscuna; Bob Blumenthal.

Recording information: New York, NY (09/15/1957); Van Gelder Studios, Hackensack, NJ (09/15/1957).

Photographer: Francis Wolff.

Personnel: John Coltrane (tenor saxophone); Lee Morgan (trumpet); Curtis Fuller (trombone); Kenny Drew (piano); Paul Chambers (bass); PhillyQ (11/03, p.130) - 4 stars out of 5 - "...Coltrane's first significant release as a group leader still impresses with its uninhibited energy nearly 46 years on..."
JazzTimes (9/97, p.87) - "THE ULTIMATE BLUE TRAIN...lives up to its name.... The sound is better than on the album's previous incarnations. Previously unreleased takes of `Lazy Bird' and the title tune significantly flesh out the record of this historic session..."