Ballads - John Coltrane Quartet

Advantages: The pinnacle of Coltrane's immense contribution to jazz.
Disadvantages: Inaccessible without perseverance.

...When I first listened to this album, I attempted to track what Coltrane was doing musically. This proved useless, for in a way the musical elements of 'A Love Supreme' are subordinate to the profound sense of spirituality. I'm not a religious person myself, but when listening to this album, I couldn't help but be awe-inspired by Coltrane's apparent subservience to God. He states himself that the album is a gift to God, and an expression of gratitude for the incredible talent with which he's been blessed. Coltrane uses his regular quartet on this album (the most staunch member being pianist McCoy Tyner), and although these musicians perform admirable supporting roles this is Coltrane's album from beginning to end. As I've already stated, one shouldn't listen to 'A Love Supreme' attempting to break down the musical elements... Read review

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Advantages: Improvisation at it's best
Disadvantages: It's sad that there are only 3 songs in that record(+ 1 bonus track)

...:14 long!), creating a some kind of religious-trancedental feel, which furthermore is ex[anded by intense improvisastion by all instruments. It is worth noting that John Coltrane plays soprano sax on this tune, and I can assure you, he is very good at soprano as well. Freddie Hubbard is on the trumpet and Eric Dolphy on the flute. What more can somebody ask. All right for the greedy ones, Elvin Jones is on the drums and Art Davis on tha bass. Satisfied now? The song just keeps progressing and the ostinato is always there, in the oscure and mystical phrygian mode. "Dahomey dance" , a medium swing tune, reminds of the "blue train" record, wih more strightforward melodic and rhytmical structures. Coltrane is back on the tenor here, and needless to say the man he can play. The album ends with a great ballad "Aisha", proving that Coltrane can also... Read review

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Advantages: Alto saxophony at it's best.
Disadvantages: Not to everyones taste.

...this version, it is smooth, but in places 'breaks out' into a bit of 'edge'. Great stuff. Sidewinder: A very well known Art Pepper piece, here we see his, well I guess the only word is, confidence. He absolutely 'owns' this, he goes up and down scales with the piece, and seems to be loving it. ~~~~Final Thoughts~~~~ If you have not heard of Art Pepper, he is not as dynamic as Charlie Parker, he as not as smooth as Kenny G, he is not as edgy as Albert Ayler, he is not as 'passionate' as John Coltrane. What he is/was good at is playing in a way that leaves one actively listening, it is almost hypnotic. This album, whether you buy the Amazon version or the iTunes (much better value) is a really good edition to any jazz collection. there are no really weak links though I am not a fan of 'Diane'. ~~~~~Full Track Listing~~~~~ Abstract Art I surrender... Read review

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