The John Coltrane Quartet Plays is great music from a great musician. On that basis alone, adding this sublime 1965 classic from Impulse! to a well-rounded jazz music collection is an easy choice. This isn't just another album; it's a testament to Coltrane's innovative spirit and a showcase of the classic quartet's electrifying chemistry.
Featuring the incomparable McCoy Tyner on piano, Jimmy Garrison on bass, and Elvin Jones on drums, this is a group renowned for its dynamic interaction and sensitive playing. Released shortly after the landmark A Love Supreme, what changed here was Coltrane's intentions. "Chim Chim Cheree" is full of foreboding. The fury with which he improvises (on soprano sax) on this track is an example of how all through this recording the intensity has been turned up a notch. Prepare to be surprised and delighted by Coltrane's unique interpretation of the standard "Nature Boy" (featuring Art Davis on a second bass for an extra layer of sonic depth!) alongside his powerful originals such as "Brazilia" and "Song of Praise". You'll hear these familiar tunes in a way you've never imagined, filtered through Coltrane's genius and the quartet's boundless creativity. The quartet is locked in, pushing and pulling, creating a sonic landscape that's both powerful and intricate.
