My Favorite Things

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

Although seemingly impossible to comprehend, this landmark jazz date made in 1960 was recorded in less than three days. All the more remarkable is that the same sessions which yielded My Favorite Things would also inform a majority of the albums Coltrane Plays the Blues, Coltrane's Sound, and Coltrane Legacy. It is easy to understand the appeal that these sides continue to hold. The unforced, practically casual soloing styles of the assembled quartet -- which includes Coltrane (soprano/tenor sax), McCoy Tyner (piano), Steve Davis (bass), and Elvin Jones (drums) -- allow for tastefully executed passages à la the Miles Davis Quintet, a trait Coltrane no doubt honed during his tenure in that band. Each track of this album is a joy to revisit. The ultimate listenability may reside in this quartet's capacity to not be overwhelmed by the soloist. Likewise, they are able to push the grooves along surreptitiously and unfettered. For instance, the support that the trio -- most notably Tyner -- gives to Coltrane on the title track winds the melody in and around itself. However, instead of becoming entangled and directionless, these musical sidebars simultaneously define the direction the song is taking. As a soloist, the definitive soprano sax runs during the Cole Porter standard "Everytime We Say Goodbye" and tenor solos on "But Not for Me" easily establish Coltrane as a pioneer of both instruments. ~ Lindsay Planer, All Music Guide