Customer Reviews

John Coltrane & Johnny Hartman

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I've been sitting here reading fellow Amazon reviewers take on "John Coltrane and Johhny Hartman" and I've noticed a trend that I find discomforting....if not exactly true as well. But I'll soon get to that. First, I think a little background is needed to fully understand where this cd is at, musically speaking of course.

When approached to do an "album" with a singer Cotrane's first, and I suspect only response, was Johnny Hartman. Hartman was close to being a complete unknown in a field where he so obviously excelled and Coltrane, while recording two albums of ballads previous to this record, "Ballads" and "Duke Ellington and John Coltrane" was still attempting to facillitate a style that reached the outer boundaries of the restrictive nature of popular song. That being the case they entered the studio and preceded to record a classic...in every sense of the word.

Now,unlike other reviewer's comments about Coltrane being subjected to the role of "sideman" to Johnny Hartman's vocals this, I feel, simply misses the point of what this cd is about. Coltrane's tenor, I feel, is actually the "second voice" on this fine disc. The interaction between voice and musical instrument will always be debated as how to best draw a "focal point" where each can draw inspiration from the other and I feel that this is as close as I've ever heard to having those two seperate entities actually realizing that one precise point where vocals and intrumentation blend together in perfect unison . A perfect blending of two "instruments". Obviously a listener's attention will always turn toward the vocal aspect of any piece of music due to it's simply being recorded at the front end of any song. And being Johnny Hartman how could you not pay close attention! But, if you truly listen to when Coltrane enters each song, a prime example being " Lush Life", than you may have an idea as to what I am saying. Coltrane's saxophone isn't so much accompanying Hartman as much as "singing" with him. I suspect this is the closest thing we may have to an actual "duet" regarding voice and musical accompiantment. While it's true that Coltrane did go back into the studio at a later date to overdub some phrases for "My One And Only Love', "Lush Life" and "You Are Too Beautiful" basicallly what you have here is recorded "live". Which only enhances the sheer "magic" of this disc!

And speaking of accompiantment isn't it time to give credit to McCoy Tyner, Jimmy Garrison and Elvin Jones. Without these fine musicians I suspec this cd would surely lose some of it's lustre! A truly first rate quartet that is second only to Mile's work on "Kinda Blue".

So, in the end, purchase your own copy of "Coltrane/Hartman" and hear what all the fuss is about. Whether you agree with my observations or not this cd is simply too good to pass up. Simple, beautiful and terribly romantic! Actually, forget all this superficial analyzing and enjoy the disc for what it is....Simply Wonderful!

Simply put this has to be one of my favorite Cd's. Mere words can't express how well the combination of the John Coltrane Quartet sound and Johnny Hartman sounds. From 'They say it's wonderful' to 'Autumn serenade' all of the tracks are excellent to say the least. Johnny Hartman has one of the smoothest barritone singing voices I've ever heard. Listining to his voice on 'Lush life'(especially) gives me the chills. (I'd argue that their cover of that song is the best ever). This paired up with the already legendary sound of the John coltrane quartet makes this album not a must have but an essential for any coltrane fan. If you are even thinkg about buying this CD you've given it too much thought, BUY IT NOW! You wont regret it.

John Coltrane is one of the most inventive and innovative jazz musicians of all time, but he very well may be at his best with his work on these six simple ballads. By employing Johnny Hartman as the vocalist, Mr. Coltrane's tenor sax perfectly meshes with Mr. Hartman's deep, rich baritone voice. Mr. Hartman's voice is so sweet and mellow it practically drips out of your speakers. The songs are all arranged in a simple and understated manor and that adds to their elegance. Mr. Coltrane plays in smooth yet forceful tones that turn simple riffs into majestic sounds. McCoy Tyner provides the backbone of the album with his piano playing. He fills the holes with pretty tinkling of the ivories. The band is at their peak on the opening track "They Say It's Wonderful" that opens with a 2 minute solo by Mr. Coltrane and then drops Mr. Hartman's silky dulcitones on you. It doesn't get any more romantic than right here.

The best of jazz musicians usually have one album that they are known for. With Miles Davis, it is "Kind of Blue". With Stan Getz, it is "Getz and Gilberto". While John Coltrane is probably better known for "A Love Supreme", I feel "John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman" is much superior. John Coltrane was easily one of the most influential jazz musicians of his time. While technically, he was not as good as Charlie Parker on the sax, he played with much better arangements. This CD is made up of six ballads in which Coltrane's tenor accompanies the voice of singer, Johnny Hartman. The two of them go together perfectly and record some of the greatest music ever recorded. All the songs fit just right on this album and there is not a single flaw to be heard on this album. For the begining jazz listener, I would recomend this album along with the other two I mentioned above. I never came across anyone who did not enjoy this CD and it is easy to hear why. Words cannot due this album justice. It has to be heard to be believed. It's worth every cent.

With this CD, originally recorded in 1963, a triad of ballad albums by Coltrane was complete. This completes a series of ballad albums that were preceded by "Ballads" and "Duke Ellington and John Coltrane" all excellent in theiir own right. Of the three this is the furthest departure for Coltrane as it is more of a Hartman CD. Make no doubt that Coltrane is featured but he accentuates and compliments the velvety voice of Hartman rather than dominating the overall sound. With the exception of "Autumn Serenade", where Coltrane stretches the limits slightly, Hartman is the star and Coltrane is the featured sideman. The "voice" of Coltrane echoes in soft and suttle refrain, mimicking and adding texture to the crooning of the Billy Eckstine-esque Johnny Hartman. When Coltrane takes over he refrains from overpowering but rather creates beautiful interludes. All of the songs are superb and fine examples of ballads from another era. They almost sound corny but the inherent beauty is something that must be taken seriously as it is heartfelt and rapturous. The vocal stylings are simply top notch. If I had to pick one song that is a standout it would be "Lush Life," which Trane previously recorded, but it is unlike this vocal version. The soft sax that eventually takes it's turn is a double-timed repitition of the lyrics previously crooned by Hartman and swings gently but energetically. Buy this for a change of pace on your CD player. It is only six songs and definitely old school. If your not able to keep a fire lit with these torch songs you might want to see a doctor. Recommended for people who feel romanticism never goes out of style.

I bought this CD years ago, having long been a fan of John Coltrane. As I debated with my daughter (who worked at the record store) about Coltrane's never having recorded with a vocalist before or since that time, a stranger who overheard us leaned over the bins and said, "Just BUY it! It's WONDERFUL! " So - I did, and it is my absolute FAVORITE John Coltrane recording! Esquire Magazine reviewed this CD about 10 years ago (or more), and said it was probably the best jazz recording ever made! It said Johnny Hartman rose to the occasion and never made as fine a recording ever again in his career. Hartman was Coltrane's personal choice as vocalist, and the recording was made in a single day! Talk about all planets in alignment! "My One and Only Love" is my husband's and my "special song", and it ever will be. This is truly a once in a lifetime experience. I would recommend this as REQUIRED LISTENING for anyone who calls himself a true jazz aficionado!

I'm satisfied with the sound of the "Originals" digipak reissue of this classic (the one in a cardboard folder with an orange and black strip on the left side of the cover, with the word "ORIGINALS" on it) but fans of the album should know that this version may be different from the one to which you're accustomed.

After the session with Hartman, Coltrane returned to the studio to overdub some extra saxophone on several of these songs. The songs that received the extra saxophone were "They Say It's Wonderful", "You Are Too Beautiful" and one other (I've forgotten which). As with ASCENSION, two versions of this album were released - one with the overdubs, and one without.

The Originals version does _not_ contain these overdubs. For example, the Originals version of "You Are Too Beautiful" features _no saxophone at all_; Hartman is accompanied by Tyner, Garrison, and Jones only.

I actually prefer this unadorned version of the album for its plainer, more spacious sound; the well-known version is spoilt by too much reverb. But some listeners will miss the familiar sax ornamentation before "They Say It's Wonderful" is even underway. Perhaps more importantly though, this version of the album is NOT the one preferred by Coltrane himself.

The commonly-available CD version in a jewel case offers the version Coltrane approved..

OK, what have you missed if you haven't heard this album? The first time I ever played this cd, my wife came in and started slow dancing with me. This is easily one of the most romantic cds ever recorded. John Coltrane is inspired beyond belief, not in a fiery Blue Train way, but in a I am touching the romantic muse where she lives kind of way. The supporting players all contribute so heavily> I am sitting here listening lush life, written by a 19 year old Billy Strayhorn(who at 19 knows more about love and loss than most men will know at their retirement).
And the words are, "you are still burning inside my brain". This easily is the way I feel about the voice of Johnny Hartman. I could listen to this guy sing Barry Manilow. He has a voice that cuts through all sadness to create a sadness all its own. Your emotions disappear, and you are left adrift in the phenomenal voice of a master interpreter. I guess he found a resurgence because of "The Bridges of Madison County", but this stuff is beyond Iowa sentimentality. This, to me, is beyond hearts, flowers, lust, heartbreak, walks in a park at sunset, the seven wonders of the world. It is music that leaves you thinking,"Where has this been all my life".

and the answer is "It's been here> Floating in the ehads of all of us who have ever walked on this planet, in love, heartbroken, or both.
Check it out.

Of all the CDs in my jazz collection, this is one of those I treasure most. John Coltrane's tender and sensitive accompaniments are a refreshing contrast to the "sheets of sound" reputation for which he is better known. However, for all of Coltrane's greatness, make no mistake:Johnny Hartman is THE star of this recording. His warm baritone is enthralling and irresistible throughout. The highlight of this outing is Lush Life, and Hartman gives THE definitive version of that timeless standard. It is absolute perfection. Hartman's version never has been, and never will be surpassed. We can only speculate why Hartman did not enjoy greater acclaim while he lived. I only know that since I first heard him on the radio in 1993, my life has been richer as a result. As an aspiring singer myself, this CD is a must for anyone who wants to hear it done at the highest, most intimate level.

Walking down the street, I saw a man. He looked forlorn, burdened by life and its strife. I asked him if he'd ever listened to John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman, he said no. Why, I asked myself, do people do this to themselves?