John Coltrane: Ole Coltrane (Atlantic 75, Clear Colored Vinyl, Mono) Vinyl LP

Final studio album for Atlantic from jazz legend John Coltrane. Ole Coltrane was originally recorded in 1961 after Coltrane had made his first record for his new label, Impulse! Records. There was one more album remaining on his contract with Atlantic, so he brought his quintet along with Art Davis and Freddie Hubbard to A&R Studios. The resulting recordings showed Trane transitioning from his early, more accessible material to the challenging, expansive music he would record later in his career. Everything is stretched out, the solos are long and the songs themselves are extended about as far as possible. The double bass work of Art Davis and Reggie Workman propels the music forward, seemingly forcing Coltrane to up his own game. And after the epicness of "Ole" and the free flowing blues of "Dahomey Dance," we're left with the sensuous "Aisha." It's a cut that makes you wonder why Coltrane did not record more of McCoy Tyner's compositions. Three tracks in all. Released by Atlantic on crystal clear mono vinyl.

• crystal clear colored vinyl
• mono sound
• limited edition, part of the Atlantic 75 series
• featuring John Coltrane (t. sax, s. sax), Eric Dolphy (a. sax, flute), Freddie Hubbard (t), McCoy Tyner (p), Reggie Workman (b), Art Davis (b), Elvin Jones (d)
• original release year: 1961
• music label: Atlantic 2023

reviewed by Cool Hand 06/2017

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