Review: Famously, John Coltrane recorded the music on Coltrane Plays The Blues during the sessions for the more celebrated and ground-breaking My Favourite Things, with his former label Atlantic - who had paid for the sessions - initially releasing the album against his wishes. In many ways it's great they did, because it remains one of jazz's truly great sets - albeit one that at the time was overshadowed by the saxophonist's other work of the 1960s. It's breezy, emotive, occasionally smoky and - as you'd expect from the title - effortlessly bluesy, with Coltrane improvising superb sax solos atop a bed of bass (played by Steve Davis), drums (Elvin Jones) and piano (McCoy Tyner). This reissue is a "hybrid CD", containing both regular and 'super audio' versions. For those with access to the latter technology, the album has never sounded better.
Review: As you can guess from the title, this is a follow up to Kind of Blue, one of the most famous jazz albums of all time. The iconic 1959 recordings radiate their own vibe while showcasing Davis's transformative approach to jazz. The opener impresses with elegant trumpet lines and a meticulous rhythm section that is a fine showcase of restraint that grows from delicate nuances to fluid improvisation. As the album unfolds, Davis's intuitive synergy with his bandmates shines and intricate complexities turn into accessible melodies. The hauntingly beautiful 'Blue in Green' stands out for its depth and overall the record captures a pivotal moment in Davis's evolution.
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