“Coltrane” is how everyone refers to John Coltrane, there’s no need to mention his first name. It’s unnecessary when you are a living legend in the Jazz world and your last name is not as common as others. This was the case for John Coltrane throughout his career but not until this recording, was he ever mentioned as just “Coltrane.” He was not exactly a well established Jazz musician but Jazz lovers recognized him and knew his potential. This 1957 album was his breakthrough album, his very first as a leader. It was appropriately named “Coltrane” and as they say, “The rest is history.” The album cover picture used was absolutely perfect, there’s no better look of confidence along with total preparedness, than this. No question about it, you knew it was going to be a totally new experience before you played it on your phonograph. When I first heard this album decades after, I was amazed. Not because it was the first I heard of Coltrane but by imagining the impact it would have had on a young teenager in 1957, wow! Jazz is always amazing me and on a everyday basis but at the same time, saddens me because of its unpopularity now. Just another reason why I chose to broadcast it on a 24/7 basis. It must be kept alive and I am confident that it will triumph again, its inevitable! ENJOY!
About the album:
Coltrane is the debut album by jazz musician John Coltrane, released in 1957 on Prestige Records, catalogue 7105. The recordings took place at the studio of Rudy Van Gelder in Hackensack, New Jersey, and document Coltrane’s first session as a leader. It has been reissued at times under the title of First Trane.
As a result of his exposure as a member of the Miles Davis Quintet, Prestige Records owner and producer Bob Weinstock offered Coltrane a recording contract. Dated April 9, 1957, it stipulated three albums per year at $300 per album.[2] Coltrane had previously recorded as a sideman, and had co-led a session with Paul Quinichette released in 1959 as Cattin’ with Coltrane and Quinichette, but never as sole bandleader.[3]
Coltrane had actually just been fired by Davis in April 1957 for drug abuse, but retreated home to Philadelphia to clean himself out.[4] He returned to New York City for mid-May sessions with Prestige, this one taking place the day after Memorial Day. By the summer, Coltrane would be recording with Thelonious Monk and playing as a member of his quartet for the rest of the year……Read More
