I agree with Mapman's choices. If it has to be kept to two choices it has to be Giant Steps and A Love Supreme as the two which best give a sense of the scope of one of the very greatest jazz musicians of all time. Giant Steps turned the world of improvised music upside down and would forever alter the way the saxophone would sound in jazz. A Love Supreme is, arguably, his best recording. An open window into Coltrane's deep spirituality, this four movement "suite" is modal and free jazz at it's greatest. In some ways difficult to listen to, but utterly amazing music.
19 responses Add your response
Thank you all. A lot to check out. Orpheus10, thank you, I liked that. But it's quite different from Coltrane, though I understand that he both influenced many and was influenced by various music and traditions. Miles Davis is my favourite jazz musician period. I don't quite consider John McLaughlin a jazz musician, though in many ways he is by discipline. He can't really be categorized. He used to say that his strongest influences were by Miles Davis and John Coltrane. But also, of course, Indian and Spanish flamenco music. American blues too. |
Inna, maybe there isn't any "Trane" that will meet your musical sensibilities. Tell me what you think about this; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoOKcWFI-pA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVfNuQ14lBU Enjoy the music. |
Inna, which Coltrane? He seemed to always be in constant change. I don't think you can just have a couple. You need them all. 😉 Personal favorites would be Live at the Vangard, Giant Steps, Favorite Things. Of the latter "louder" period, take your pick, all good in their own way, although a harder listen. Enjoy the journey! Oh yeah, The one with Johnny Hartman is really good! |
If I could only have two, they would be Ballads and Coltrane with Johnny Hartman ... both on Impulse. Everything mentioned here is good stuff, and you can't go wrong with any of these suggestions. I have 'em all. One that is usually not in the conversation is Crescent. Nice pressing and great music! |