John Coltrane: Essential John Coltrane (2LP) [VERVE]

Why you'll love it

This gatefold 2LP set gathers ten pieces from Coltrane's Impulse! catalogue and gives "My Favorite Things" a side of its own. It's a friendly way into the most searching music of his career.

This edition

• 2LP set
• Gatefold jacket
• Stereo mix

About the album

Coltrane's Impulse! catalogue is the sort of thing you could spend a decade working through, and plenty of people have. This set takes the shortcut, pulling highlights from the label where he made his boldest 1960s records, across ballads, live stretches and the suite A Love Supreme. Coltrane joined Impulse! in 1961, and the label became home to his classic quartet and his most spiritual work.

Side A opens with "Acknowledgment," the first part of A Love Supreme, then eases into "In A Sentimental Mood" with Duke Ellington, "Bessie's Blues" and the lyrical "You're A Weaver Of Dreams." Singer Johnny Hartman joins for a ballad, "Afro Blue" swirls, and "Crescent," "Impressions" and "Alabama" show McCoy Tyner, Jimmy Garrison and Elvin Jones in full flight before "My Favorite Things" closes the set at length.

Born in 1926, Coltrane would have turned 100 this year, and this is a fine way to mark it; the gatefold also makes a handsome gift for anyone just starting out. Consider it a sampler; we accept no responsibility for the rest of the catalogue you'll want afterwards.

Also at Kops: more John Coltrane on vinyl · browse Modern Jazz

Tracklist

Listen

On Impulse! / Verve.