Release Date: 1/01/2007
Recording Date: 1/2007
Tracks: 11
Label: Jazz Icons
Type: DVD
Album Tracks (11)
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What the Critics Say
Prior to the release of this Jazz Icons DVD, most of the video footage of John Coltrane performing live either lacked audio or consisted of truncated performances. This 95-minute disc collects three separate broadcasts from different European tours. The first, taped during his final tour with Miles Davis in 1960, resulted because the trumpeter rejected a television appearance that was part of his contract. The producers willingly accepted Coltrane and Davis' rhythm section (Wynton Kelly, Paul Chambers and Jimmy Cobb), which produced a strong show, as this was a working unit rather than a pickup band supporting a guest star. Coltrane's robust tenor sax dominates their brief set, then guest Stan Getz is added for "Moonlight in Vermont" at the tail-end of a ballad medley featuring the trio, then Coltrane. Oscar Peterson replaces Kelly at the piano for "Hackensack," stimulating both saxophonists with his virtuosity, while it is likely the only documented performance together of Coltrane and Peterson. The second program is the virtual Holy Grail for Coltrane fans, an opportunity to hear the famous quintet that included Eric Dolphy and was taped just a few weeks after Coltrane's extended gig at the Village Vanguard. Although the darkened set provides a strange backdrop, Coltrane's inventive soprano sax in his dynamic modal scoring of "My Favorite Things" is a sight and sound to behold, followed by McCoy Tyner's searing piano solo and Dolphy's bird-like flute. Dolphy sits out "Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye," then returns on alto sax for the blazing "Impressions." Bassist Reggie Workman and drummer Elvin Jones provide strong support throughout the set. The final program comes from a 1965 outdoor concert with Coltrane's classic quartet (with Jimmy Garrison having replaced Workman several years earlier). Following the explosive avant-garde-ish "Welcome," things settle down a bit with an extended workout of "Naima," then the concert wraps with an adventurous, sometimes dissonant interpretation of "My Favorite Things." Ashley Kahn's liner notes are thorough and informative, while a lot of vintage photographs are also part of the impressive booklet. Don't miss this historic DVD; it is truly one for the ages. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
