Customer Reviews

Trane's Blues

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This is one of those few compilation albums that I would holdheartedly recomend for already converted fans and to those who are trying to introduce themselves to Coltrane. It's a compilation of his early music, before Coltrane got experimental and before his "sheets of Music" stage. Some of the songs are from albums of other artist that you may not have access to, unless you researched the fact that Coltrane played on them. I have almost all his albums. However, the versions of songs here have been remastered and sound fantastic. For example, "One and Four" appears on the album "Like Sonny". On this album it sounds new and fresh; almost like a different song entirely. So much so, I dont even listen to the original version anymore. Yes, Coltrane was a great innovator. However, I think people forget that he was flat out an amazing blues player also and I have not heard a saxophone collection better than what's on this album.

We have in this item something so rare! A compilation disc in which each of the eight selections, from about as many vinyl LP's from the 50's, seems absolutely perfect. Coltrane may not have put this together, but people who really cared did. What a listening experience. My only quibble is that the title, "Trane's Blues" is a bit misleading. The stuff on here may be spun off from the format of the blues, but sad it ain't. Angry, it ain't. Boring it ain't. Mellow it ain't. If you know the famous jazz disc "Kind of Blue" by Miles Davis and Coltrane and others, you know that the music on that one is indeed, kind of blue and sweet and slow and great. This collection, however, is more driving, more swinging, happier, and sure to please. Here, Coltrane plays lead in some cuts, support in others, and plays with a nice variety of wonderful musicians. You have to hear this, and once you hear it, if you like jazz, you'll have to own it. The folks who put this one together can really take a bow.

What a gem! John Coltrane was among the greatest composers and players; he was and shall remain the lyrical master of the saxophone (what an interesting instrument! Check out Steely Dan's "Deacon's Blues" for a twist and a tale of the agony of playing the darn thing!). This is a beautiful album - so sweet, so pure. Throw away those conceptions of cacophony - this is a must have CD for all jazz fans.

Over 70 minutes of Coltrane from the late fifties, playing blues with many of the great players of the time. Had it a week and it's already my favorite Coltrane collection.

Compilations typically lack the flow and integrity found in individual bodies of work. Not only will this CD will win over the purist but it as an economically viable alternative to those who want to hear MORE incredible (incredible!) stuff from Coltrane's "Blue Trane" (hard bop) period. All the selections are from truly classic albums, many of which feature Coltrane as a sideman.