John Coltrane Coltrane Jazz CD - Import

Released shortly after the groundbreaking Giant Steps, Coltrane Jazz features a number of takes from the 'Naima' session, with Wynton Kelly, Paul Chambers and Jimmy Cobb, as well as a track with Cedar Walton and Lex Humphries and an early outing by his newly formed quartet featuring pianist McCoy Tyner, Steve Davis and Elvin Jones. While lacking the conceptual strength of many of Coltrane's greatest works, Coltrane Jazz captures the saxophonist during one of his interesting periods of change, and includes some memorable original tunes. Particularly worth investigating are 'Harmonique', an unusual theme involving polyphonics (more than one note played simultaneously), and a beautiful ballad performance of 'I'll Wait And Pray'.

This special edition of the essential COLTRANE JAZZ is a wonderful preservation of one of Coltrane's most straight-ahead albums. Like the rest of Rhino's Atlantic Jazz Gallery, the disc is issued in a striking gatefold package with the CD tucked inside a miniature replica of the original LP jacket. The enclosed booklet contains Zita Carno's original liner notes, Neil Tesser's new reflections on the sessions, and some remarkable photos of 'Trane himself.

The only extra tracks included here that were not issued on previous editions of JAZZ are yet another alternate take of "Like Sonny," this time in mono and with the same African-influenced rhythmic support as the other bonus version, and an alternate of the meandering "Village Blues." Both of these cuts were previously only issued on the HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION boxed set. However, it is the sheer eloquence of the leader that comes through here as he poses as a man on the verge of some of the most deeply expressive music ever committed to posterity. As a respite before the storm, COLTRANE JAZZ retains all of its grace as one of the saxophonist's most enjoyable efforts.

Import only expanded edition reissue of 1960 album includes 4 bonus tracks. Warner. 2005.

Digitally remastered by Dan Hersch (DigiPrep).

Recorded at Atlantic Studios, New York, New York between March 26, 1959 and October 21, 1960. Originally released on Atlantic (1354). Includes liner notes by Neil Tesser and Zita Carno.

Recorded at Atlantic Studios, New York, New York between April 1, 1959 and October 21, 1960. Includes liner notes by Zita Carno.

COLTRANE JAZZ: DELUXE EDITION features four alternate takes not on the original release.

Producer: Nesuhi Ertegun.

Reissue producer: Patrick Milligan.

Personnel: John Coltrane (tenor saxophone); Wynton Kelly, McCoy Tyner, Cedar Walton (piano); Paul Chambers, Steve Davis (bass); Jimmy Cobb, Lex Humphries, Elvin Jones (drums).

Q (12/00, p.142) - 4 stars out of 5 - "...[It] teeters on the brink of [his] new '60s sound....Every track counts, and the bonus tracks are more than worthy of release."