Someday my Prince Will Come

This collection showcases some of Coltrane's best recordings as a side artist and features collaborations with such jazz greats as Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, Sonny Rollins, Tadd Dameron, and Art Taylor. Primarily focusing on Coltrane's recordings as side man from 1956 and 1957 on the Prestige, Riverside, and Jazzland labels, it also includes a guest appearance (and legendary tenor saxophone solo) with Miles Davis on the track "Someday My Prince Will Come" (from the 1961 Miles Davis Columbia album of the same title).

It is a tremendous challenge to find a fresh approach to standards and frequently performed jazz compositions. But pianist Enrico Pieranunzi is up to the task in this collection of live trio performances from 2001 in Paris. He is accompanied by two of Europe's finest musicians, bassist Hein Van de Geyn and drummer André Ceccarelli (who worked together in singer Dee Dee Bridgewater's band). The leader's take of "Body and Soul" includes a fluttering introduction and some dazzling Tatum-like runs. "I Hear a Rhapsody" is transformed into a daredevil post-bop anthem, while Van de Geyn introduces "I Fall in Love Too Easily" with a heartfelt solo. But the big surprise is their playful take of "Someday My Prince Will Come," which sounds more like a nightmare than a dream! Pieranunzi's off-centered arrangement of Wayne Shorter's modal masterpiece "Footprints" is full of tension, though his approach to Fats Waller's "Jitterbug Waltz" is fairly restrained. The leader contributed several originals, including the moody ballad "One Lone Star" and the more upbeat "Una Piccola Chiave Dorata." The support of the rhythm section is an essential ingredient throughout this highly recommended two-CD set. ~ Ken Dryden

One of the most popular instrumentalists in the world, trumpeter Chris Botti gets back to the jazz essence of his artistry on his Blue Note debut Vol. 1 featuring beautiful new ballad renditions of standards including “Old Folks,” “My Funny Valentine,” “Someday My Prince Will Come” & “Blue In Green” as well as a cover of Coldplay’s “Fix You” and the vocal feature “Paris” with John Splithoff. The album was produced by David Foster and also features performances by violinist Joshua Bell, pianist Taylor Eigsti, guitarist Gilad Hekselman, drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, and others.