Record Details
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Record ID
1561
Artist
John Coltrane
Title
My Favorite Things
Field / Genre
Jazz
Year Recorded
1960
Label
Atlantic
Pressing
Aus
Rating
****
Discs
1
Media
CD
Date Bought
12 Jun 2004
Cost
¤0.00
Cover Name
—
Review
<p>This 1960 recording was a landmark album in John Coltrane's career, the first to introduce his quartet with pianist McCoy Tyner and drummer Elvin Jones and the first release on which he played soprano saxophone. It also provided him with a signature hit, as his new group conception came together wonderfully on the title track. It's an extended modal reworking in 6/4 time that brought the hypnotic pulsating quality of Indian music into jazz for the first time, with Coltrane's soprano wailing over the oscillating piano chords and pulsing drums. The unusual up-tempo version of Gershwin's "Summertime"is a heated example of Coltrane's "sheets of sound" approach to conventional changes, while "But Not for Me" receives a radical harmonic makeover. This is an excellent introduction to Coltrane's work.</p><p>—<strong>Stuart Broomer - Spotlight Reviews</strong></p><p>Although seemingly impossible to comprehend, this landmark jazz recording was made in less than three days. All the more remarkable is that the same sessions which yielded <em>My Favorite Things</em> would also inform a majority of the albums <em>Coltrane Plays the Blues</em>, <em>Coltrane's Sound</em>, and <em>Coltrane Legacy</em>. 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 musicalsidebars simultaneously define the direction the song is taking. Asa 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.</p><p>—<strong>Lindsay Planer</strong></p>