Mike Verta Impressions

One of John Coltrane's most popular, influential recitals, IMPRESSIONS derives its two extended blowing tracks from the saxophonist's famous November 5, 1961 gig at New York's Village Vanguard. The brief, charming blues and ballad were recorded in the fall of 1962 and the spring of 1963, respectively. On IMPRESSIONS Coltrane acknowledged his roots, while striking out in new directions.

The Moods, Impressions & Reminiscences of Zdenek Fibich have gone and his art has evaporated. While some listeners might argue that Fibich's symphonic works are his more ambitious and more substantial works, others would insist that they are merely longer and louder works.

Impressions is a hodgepodge of memorable John Coltrane performances from the 1961-1963 period. "India" and "Impressions" are taken from Trane's famous November 1961 engagement at the Village Vanguard; bass clarinetist Eric Dolphy is heard on the former while the latter features a marathon solo from Coltrane on tenor. Also included on this set are 1962's "Up 'Gainst the Wall" and the classic of the album, 1963's "After the Rain." This edition of Impressions includes the ten-plus-minute bonus track "Dear Old Stockholm."

In 1919, the cellist Marix Loevensohn ordered a duo sonata from Henriëtte Bosmans, which he wanted to perform in one of his recitals. He received what he had requested and thus opened the "cellistic" section of the young composer's oeuvre, which was soon followed by two concertos and a Poème with orchestra (jpc 11794494) as well as various piano-accompanied pieces. Partly inspired by Loevensohn, partly by her friend Frieda Belifante, the result was a collection that bears witness to a talent that was as self-confident as it was sensitive: The massive cornerstones of the Sonata enclose lovely songfulness à la Brahms and Debussystian splashes of color, the three Impressions flirt with different eras and landscapes, the Nocturne for cello and harp can't get enough in dreamy indulgences - and the sensitive spirit willingly melts away.