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January's Index
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JOHN COLTRANE - Golden Disk


Essential Jazz Classics EJC55656

John Coltrane ( tnr / sop ) on all tracks
Tracks 1 & 4
McCoy Tyner ( pno ) Steve Davis ( bass ) Elvin Jones ( drs )
Recorded New York, October 1960
 Track 2
Milt Jackson ( vibes ) Hank Jones ( pno ) Paul Chambers ( bass ) Connie Kay ( drs )
Recorded New York, 15 January 1959
Tracks 3 & 6
Tommy Flanagan ( pno ) Paul Chambers ( bass ) Art Taylor ( drs )
Recorded New York, 5 May 1959
Tracks 5 & 7 to 13
Recorded New York, November & December 1959


It is difficult to understand who this released is aimed at as all the tracks have been readily available in various guises and there is no suggestion in the notes that any of the tracks are alternative takes.

I am sure there must be many recordings in the vaults that would be of interest to the collectors of jazz issues. 
This is in no way a denigration of the music contained in this release as some of the tracks have iconic status such as “Giant Steps”, “My Favourite Things” and “Naima”. The backing musicians on all the tracks are of the highest quality and some of the best players to work with Coltrane during his most creative period.

All the pianists on these sessions are from the top drawer but they all have their own take on what is the best approach to how to accompany the tenor giant to bring out the most in his playing .McCoy Tyner is probably the most in tune with Coltrane’s style but they all have something to offer.

There are possibly still have people about that do not have some of these tracks in their collection and this release does contain some fine music and for those who have not dipped their toe in the water they will be a revelation, so either of this applies to you go out and buy this release you won’t be disappointed. 

Reviewed by Roy Booth 

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ECM celebrates 50 years of music production with the Touchstones series of re-issues