Fine essay putting Coltrane’s music into context. My favourite line, “swapping out Broadway for Bombay” to describe the two chord modal version of “My Favorite Things.”
I’m streaming the album as I’m reading the review -- quite a treat. Revisiting the contemporary reception of canonized performers is endlessly fascinating. Hard to believe that critics had the gall to eviscerate Coltrane, of all people. A reminder of how difficult it is to escape one’s parochialism. Another delightful piece.
Thanks so much. I do understand some of the bewilderment that greeted Coltrane's music in 1961, especially after the 'Africa/Brass' and 'Ole' sessions, as I share some of it as it pertains to the Village Vanguard recordings, but do agree that it resulted from a lack of trying to understand what Coltrane et al were trying to do.
Love the album. I know there are people complaining about the quality of the audio. To me it’s just fine, not perfect, but what do you expect from that period and live recordings. Africa is my favorite song and this piece is the only known live version of it. Thanks for writing this essay of one of my favorite jazz artists .
You're very welcome. The audio is what it is. The significance of the recordings mitigate that completely for me, especially as it unearths a live version of 'Africa,' something that was unthinkable for years and years.
Fine essay putting Coltrane’s music into context. My favourite line, “swapping out Broadway for Bombay” to describe the two chord modal version of “My Favorite Things.”
Very nice deep dive on this Coltrane /Dolphy period and this new release. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Thanks so much - appreciate the kind words!
Great issue ✨ Really doing it for me today
Thanks so much Stygi! Glad to hear!
I’m streaming the album as I’m reading the review -- quite a treat. Revisiting the contemporary reception of canonized performers is endlessly fascinating. Hard to believe that critics had the gall to eviscerate Coltrane, of all people. A reminder of how difficult it is to escape one’s parochialism. Another delightful piece.
Thanks so much. I do understand some of the bewilderment that greeted Coltrane's music in 1961, especially after the 'Africa/Brass' and 'Ole' sessions, as I share some of it as it pertains to the Village Vanguard recordings, but do agree that it resulted from a lack of trying to understand what Coltrane et al were trying to do.
What incredibly rich performances. It's quite a treat to "eavesdrop" on these sessions. Thanks for another wonderful and enriching essay, Robert.
Thanks so much! Very much enjoyed your recent essay on Tony Bennett.
Love the album. I know there are people complaining about the quality of the audio. To me it’s just fine, not perfect, but what do you expect from that period and live recordings. Africa is my favorite song and this piece is the only known live version of it. Thanks for writing this essay of one of my favorite jazz artists .
You're very welcome. The audio is what it is. The significance of the recordings mitigate that completely for me, especially as it unearths a live version of 'Africa,' something that was unthinkable for years and years.
Coltrane & Dolphy live in the Village, yes! Thanks again, Impulse records for finding these treasures.
Ahh...The Vanguard , Half Note...Smalls☺️...How I miss Those Silky, Seductive, Liberating, times in the Village...
Complete agree - we are richer for being able to hear these recordings.
Like living through those days in the Village again. Nice.