The two and a half years represented in this mammoth collection made up a period of great activity and development for young John Coltrane. It was a time in which he worked in the Miles Davis Quintet, then joined Thelonious Monk for his historic Five Spot engagement, and then took his place in the legendary 1958 Miles Davis Sextet. It was a time in which he grew from a somewhat promising tenor player to a supernova about to burst upon the jazz world. It was also a span during which Trane traveled with great regularity to the original New Jersey location of the Rudy Van Gelder Studio, taking part in no less than 25 lengthy Prestige recording sessions.
Presumably the Bad Plus wanted to make a very specific statement when they titled this album Prog. Although there is no confusing its music for what has typically passed for progressive jazz or progressive rock in decades past, Prog embodies the true meaning of the word: it takes music forward - not just theirs, but music itself. How they do that is relatively simple, despite the music's complexity: they go where they want to go, where others have yet even to consider going. That means throwing out conventional notions of what a jazz piano trio can and should do. That the Bad Plus is comprised of three exemplary musicians - pianist Ethan Iverson, bassist Reid Anderson and drummer David King - is never in doubt. Their chops are on display at every turn - and there are many turns, unexpected and exhilarating ones that produce seismic shifts without losing focus…
This album is the 4th in Smooth Jazz series produced by contemporary saxophonist and producer Konstantin Klashtorni. Relaxed, enjoyable groovy and romantic tracks is a main feature of his music. This latest release from Konstantin is an excellent addition to any Jazz collection. His artistry is one of the finest out there. His work is fantastic. You will be happy and listen to these albums over and over again without tiring of them. If you like any single release by Konstantin, you will not be let down by his others. He is a true master at keeping your mood on track through his music. His sound is settling and positive without being intrusive to your dealings through your day. Try it you will love it and the other albums of this and other series. Enjoy.
AVID Jazz is proud to introduce an exciting new addition to our Four Classic Album series, Four Classic Jazz Instrumentalists. We continue with Four Classic Jazz Bassists, a re-mastered 2CD set complete with original artwork, liner notes and personnel details.