John Coltrane Quartet Coltrane (1962) [2016_acousticsounds 24 192]

The John Coltrane Quartet - The John Coltrane Quartet Plays Chim Chim Cheree, etc. (1965) {2009 Verve Originals}
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© 2009 Verve / Impulse! | 0602517920323
Jazz / Post Bop / Modal Music / Avant-Garde Jazz

1965 was a seminal year for the John Coltrane Quartet, a period in which the leader instigated a bold cycle of exploratory new directions, leading to such extended free jazz rites as ASCENSION and MEDITATIONS. Yet for all the emotional turbulence and the protracted solo flights, THE JOHN COLTRANE QUARTET PLAYS finds the saxophonist taking an affectionate, powerful backwards glance at the foundation of his quartet's collective sound.

One of the turning points in the career of John Coltrane came in 1965. The great saxophonist, whose playing was always very explorative and searching, crossed the line into atonality during that year, playing very free improvisations (after stating quick throwaway themes) that were full of passion and fury. This particular studio album has two standards (a stirring "Chim Chim Cheree" and "Nature Boy") along with two recent Coltrane originals ("Brazilia" and "Song of Praise"). Art Davis plays the second bass on "Nature Boy," but otherwise this set (a perfect introduction for listeners to Coltrane's last period) features the classic quartet comprised of the leader, pianist McCoy Tyner, bassist Jimmy Garrison, and drummer Elvin Jones.

The complicated rhythm patterns and diverse sonic textures on Olé are evidence that John Coltrane was once again charting his own course. His sheer ability as a maverick – over and beyond his appreciable musical skills – guides works such as this to new levels, ultimately advancing the entire art form. Historically, it's worth noting that recording had already commenced – two days prior to this session – on Africa/Brass, Coltrane's debut for the burgeoning Impulse! label. All Music

Part of the ultimate audiophile Prestige stereo reissues from Analogue Productions — 25 of the most collectible, rarest, most audiophile-sounding Rudy Van Gelder recordings ever made. All cut at 33 1/3 and also released on Hybrid SACD All mastered from the original analog master tapes by mastering maestro Kevin Gray.

John Coltrane Quartet - Crescent (1964) {Impulse!-Verve Originals 0602517649026 rel 2008}
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© 1964, 2008 Impulse! / Verve / UMG | Verve Originals Series | 0602517649026 | LP AS-66
Jazz / Modal Music / Avant-Garde Jazz / Post Bop / Saxophone

John Coltrane's Crescent from the spring of 1964 is an epic album, showing his meditative side that would serve as a perfect prelude to his immortal work A Love Supreme. His finest quartet with McCoy Tyner, Jimmy Garrison, and Elvin Jones supports the somewhat softer side of Coltrane, and while not completely in ballad style, the focus and accessible tone of this recording work wonders for anyone willing to sit back and let this music enrich and wash over you. While not quite at the "sheets of sound" unfettered music he would make before his passing in 1967, there are hints of this group stretching out in restrained dynamics, playing as lovely a progressive jazz as heard anywhere in any time period.

Issued in 1968, more than a year after John Coltrane's death, Cosmic Music is co-credited to John and Alice Coltrane. Trane appears on only two of the four tracks here (they are also the longest): "Manifestation" and "Dr. King." They were both cut in February of 1966 at Coast Recorders in San Francisco, with the great saxophonist fronting his final quintet with Alice, Pharoah Sanders, Jimmy Garrison, Rashied Ali, and Ray Appleton adding percussion…