John Coltrane : Absolutely Out There

Length: 105:28

There are two live dates here, probably bootlegged, from Coltrane's first solo European tour. The first disc features the Coltrane Quartet with Eric Dolphy a la the Village Vanguard band but predating those performances. The second is the quartet without him -- the latter may have been recorded as late as 1962. The two dates share two pieces in common, 'Mr. P.C.' and 'My Favorite Things.' The other cuts are divided between a wonderful reading of 'Naima' (with a gorgeous bass clarinet solo by Dolphy ), 'Miles Mode' on the first disc, and 'Traneing In,' Billy Eckstine's 'I Want to Talk About You,' (recorded on the Coltrane album for Impulse ), and Mongo Santamaria's 'Afro Blue,' with Coltrane simply tearing it up on soprano. These recordings are for the true, hardcore Coltrane collector and fan, who may indeed already have them as part of something else. The sound quality is a bit dodgy in some places (these feel like they were perhaps unedited radio broadcasts) but the performances are stellar. Despite the lack of notes, crummy presentation, and the dubious nature of these discs, for the serious Coltrane listener, they are another essential part of the legacy. Oh yes, they're cheap too. ~ Thom Jurek, All Music Guide

Collection of live recordings from the legendary John Coltrane and his quartet with some tracks featuring Eric Dolphy. Coltrane dominated '60s Jazz and has continued to influence all Jazz musicians, sax or otherwise, who have since followed.