Released: 1961 (original album)
Tracks: Greensleeves; Song of the Underground Railroad; Greensleeves (alternate take); The Damned Don’t Cry; Africa (first version); Blues Minor; Africa (alternate take); Africa
Best track: Africa
Track to skip: none
This was John Coltrane’s first album with his new record label, Impulse. He was with Impulse from 1961 until his death in 1967. Coltrane wanted his label debut to be different so he went with a pseudo-orchestra approach. The distinguishing factor is that the ‘orchestra’ sounds different from other ones added to jazz albums. Like the title suggests, there are a lot of brass instruments on this album; mostly brass with a few reeds thrown in the mix. Also interesting is how the songs were arranged for the large group. The orchestra parts are written in the style of McCoy Tyner’s piano playing so it’s almost an extension of the piano. The quartet (specifically Coltrane) is the focus of the album with the orchestra providing a cool addition.
The song Africa is the centerpiece of the album and so it makes sense it’s the best track on here. This is the ‘Complete Sessions” so we’re fortunate enough to trace the evolution of Africa through the 3 different takes. The album is divided up nicely in that the first disc is from the first session (first 5 tracks) and disc 2 (last 3) is from the second, about a month later. Of course the alternate takes aren’t essential, but they’re enjoyable to listen to, especially to hear how Coltrane changes things up. Most of the tracks on here are really good; the only misstep is The Damned Don’t Cry. It’s clearly not rehearsed enough and it lacks energy and focus. Until the solos come in and then the whole group wakes up. Because of the quality of the solos I don’t skip it, though. Besides that small thing, this album is really good. This was the only time Coltrane recorded with an orchestra and in true Coltrane fashion he does something completely different. Good stuff.
Rating: 90
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