The Jazz Show Episode September 26, 2016

John Coltrane: "Blue Train"

9:04pm - 12:40am

This is a classic John Coltrane recording to celebrate his 90th Birthday Anniversary. The album was his only date for Blue Note Records and it occupies the position of Miles Davis' "Kind of Blue", Brubeck's "Take Five" or Coltrane's "A Love Supreme" as being an essential Jazz album. Coltrane was given rehearsal time and was able to hand pick the personnel. He chose a young Lee Morgan on trumpet who was 19 at the time! Curtis Fuller was a new voice on the trombone with his distinctive sound. Kenny Drew on piano was a wise choice with his rhythmic accompaniment and his dancing darting solos. Paul Chambers on bass and the great Philly Joe Jones on drums make up what is arguably the best rhythm section in Jazz at that time. Coltrane had emerged as a stunning soloist when this date was done and had reached an early peak in his playing He had thrown off drugs and alcohol and had embarked with the encouragement of Thelonious Monk and others to practice hard on his horn and the results of that work are here on this pivotal recording that in 1960, Coltrane said was "my favourite". When we listen tonight I think we'll all hear why. Check out "Blue Train".

Track Listing:

Lazy Bird. (Take 3)
John Coltrane · Blue Train
Moment's Notice
John Coltrane · Blue Train
Blue Train
John Coltrane · Blue Train
Locomotion
John Coltrane · Blue Train
I'm Old Fashioned
John Coltrane · BlueTtrain
Lazy Bird (Take 2)
John Coltrane · Blue Train
West Side Story Medley
Buddy Rich · Swingin' New Big Band
Channel 1 Suite
Biddy Rich · Mercy Mercy
Que Baby
Gloria Coleman · Soul Sisters
Sadie Green
Gloria Coleman · Soul Sisters
Hey Sonny Red.
Gloria Coleman · Soul Sisters
Welcome
John Coltrane · June 10,1965
The Last Blues
John Coltrane · June 10,1965
Transition
John Coltrane · June 10,1965
Everyday Grey
Parker Abbott Trio · Elevation
Octopus
Parker Abbott Trio · Elevation
Maybe
Parker Abbott Trio · Elevation
Lester Left Town
Art Blakey · Live at Birdland
The Midget
Art Blakey · Live at Birdland