One of the turning points in the career of
John Coltrane
came in 1965. The great saxophonist, whose playing was always very explorative and searching, crossed the line into atonality during that year, playing very free improvisations (after stating quick throwaway themes) that were full of passion and fury. This particular studio album has two
standards
(a stirring
"Chim Chim Cheree"
and
"Nature Boy"
) along with two recent
Coltrane
originals (
"Brazilia"
"Song of Praise"
).
Art Davis
plays the second bass on
"Nature Boy,"
but otherwise this set (a perfect introduction for listeners to
's last period) features the classic quartet comprised of the leader, pianist
McCoy Tyner
, bassist
Jimmy Garrison
, and drummer
Elvin Jones
. ~ Scott Yanow