Coltrane [The Rudy Van Gelder Series]

Review

Recorded at a single session on May 31, 1957, this was John Coltrane's first studio outing as a bandleader, and it remains an impressive debut. Working with Johnny Splawn on trumpet, Sahib Shihab on baritone sax, and a rhythm section of bassist Paul Chambers and drummer Albert Heath with Mal Waldron and Red Garland splitting time at the piano, Coltrane's sax lines are fresh and bright-sounding, with the notes flying out in little clusters, a trademark approach that Coltrane would develop and perfect in the next decade. The album, while perhaps not as startling and world-altering as Coltrane's later Impulse material, is wonderfully accessible and shows that Coltrane at this point in his career was more than ready to head his own ensemble. [Coltrane was reissued as part of the Rudy Van Gelder Series.] ~ Steve Leggett, All Music Guide

Tracks + Soundclips

Details and Credits