Search - John Coltrane :: Very Best of John Coltrane

Great selection of the most interesting JC tracks...

William E. Adams | Midland, Texas USA | 06/09/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have this CD in a Rhino release: same music, same cover photo, same "very best of" tagline, just not the "Greatest Hits" design. I think of John's time on Atlantic Records as his most interesting, and all the performances here are from 1959 and 1960. In the '50's, Coltrane was a more traditional sax improviser, mainly on the Prestige label, and he produced some lovely things. After 1960, he moved more and more into "avant-garde" or "free-form" jazz and lost me as a fan. On Atlantic, you get the best...he is harmonic and inventive, melodic and yet stretching a few solos into unexpected territory. For those not familiar with Coltrane, but not all that adventurous in their jazz tastes, this is a superb introduction, better than the Ken Burns compliation which was issued back during the "Jazz" miniseries on PBS. Although I own at least a dozen Coltrane CD's, this one will get repeat play. The mix of ballads and uptempo tracks is excellent here."

A masterpiece

Marlyn J. Hunter | St. Louis | 12/12/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When I first heard "Central Park West" is was moved to tears. I had been invited to attend a concert given by the Julliard Jazz Ensemble directed by Mr. Victor Goines at The Sheldon here in St. Louis, MO. Having never heard Mr. Coltrane's work before, I left the concert asking everyone I knew where could I get that CD. Not knowing what to expect, I began to listen to the CD and was totally blown away by Mr. Coltrane's musical style and flavor. I was immediately a fan. Great music touches me that way. The great thing is that when I heard the Julliard Ensemble cover "Central Park West" and then heard the original, they played it to perfection, note for note. I don't claim to be a judge of musicianship by any stretch of the imagination, but it was as close as you can get to Mr. Coltrane playing if himself. I have purchsed this CD for many friends as gifts because it touched me just that much.

For all those looking for a great instrumental piece, you've found your answer.

Thanks Mr. Coltrane."

The Very Best of John Coltran

K. A. Cooke | St Croix, USVI | 03/16/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is my first John Coltran CD. I love it. I have played it over and over since I received it! Highly recommend it!"