My Favorite Things

Read About This Recording

One of the most important jazz musicians of all time, John Coltrane ranks at the top in significance, influence and musicianship with Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis. As a tenor-saxophonist, Coltrane originally developed his sound out of the boppish style of Dexter Gordon, evolving during his last dozen years (1955-67) at a steady pace from complex chordal improvisations to sound explorations. He was a major force in hard bop, modal music, the avant-garde and free jazz. On soprano, which he began playing in 1960, Coltrane revived the instrument and took stirring flights influenced by Eastern music. After making a major impact during two stints with Miles Davis' quintet and sextet (1955-56 and 1958-60) and with Thelonious Monk's quartet (1957), Coltrane led his own groups during 1960-67. During that period he was considered the main pacesetter in jazz.

Of all of the songs that John Coltrane played in his career, "My Favorite Things" became his trademark. Recorded the same week as Coltrane Plays the Blues, the My Favorite Things album also includes a lyrical version of "But Not for Me," a feature for his soprano on "Everytime We Say Goodbye" and a passionate modal rendition of "Summertime," but it is most notable for the title cut. Coltrane took the simple show tune and turned much of it into a two-chord vamp that became a lengthy showcase for his soprano. He would keep "My Favorite Things" (which is also heard in a much briefer 45 version) in his repertoire for the remainder of his life.

—Scott Yanow

Contents

My Favorite Things; Everytime We Say Goodbye; Summertime; But Not For Me; My Favorite Things (Parts 1 & 2 — Single Versions).

John Coltrane, Tenor Sax/Soprano Sax; McCoy Tyner, Piano; Steve Davis, Bass; Elvin Jones, Drums.