Impulse Albums Vol.2, The - John Coltrane

Advantages: Some of the all time best jazz saxophone ever.
Disadvantages: Some ommissions.

...playing days alongside such players, I quite like this, but it is not a 'hairs on end' piece like some of his other stuff. 7/10. ~~~~~Very Best of?~~~~~ Yes and no. Favourite things, Giant Steps, definitely, but there are some glaring omissions for me: In a Sentimental Mood played by Coltrane is epic, and Impressions is probably my 2nd favourite track of his behind Favourite Things. To not include at least one version of his supreme tenor playing on A love Supreme is just not acceptable (there were at least 20 versions), I probably would have also included 'Round Midnight. All that being said, for £4.99 (iTunes) this album represents fantastic value, and is a brilliant introduction to John Coltrane. Clearly as I downloaded this album I cannot comment on the cover, inlay etc. Apart from what I see here and on iTunes. Also posted... 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)

...is 18:14 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... Read review

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Advantages: In a word.....Genius
Disadvantages: Might just stop you from getting anything done

..." is my favourite of the four, I never find myself stopping the CD after it has finished. There are standout solo moments from the other band members too, especially from McCoy, but it is John Coltrane who resonates long after the music has finished. If you think you don't like Jazz, you really should try this album and if you think you do, this is absolutely essential listening. Along with Miles Davis' "Kind of Blue", this a jazz album that reached a far wider audience than the genre, simply because it is THAT good.... Read review

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