Broadcast on 01-Jul-2013

This is a classic album make no mistake about that fact. It was given a lukewarm treatment by the Jazz critics at the time because it was such a casual and easy-going affair. It was Coltrane's first appearance on his new label, Atlantic Records. He had been with Prestige for over two years and moved to the more upscale Atlantic. It was done in January of 1959. The great producer Nesuhi Ertegun suggested that Coltrane record with one of Atlantic's big stars,the vibe master, Milt "Bags" Jackson. Jackson and Coltrane knew each other and had played together before and were friends so the idea was readily accepted. Jackson and Coltrane put their heads together and chose the rhythm section Jackson chose pianist hank Jones and drummer Connie kay and Coltrane picked bassist Paul Chambers. Several good standards were chosen and one early modern Jazz classic...."Bebop" (by Dizzy Gillespie. Three blues tunes by Jackson are heard and they are all good as Coltrane and Jackson are magnificent blues players. Coltrane moves a little closer to Jackson's concept on this date but this is because he is such a master musician who can adapt to any context. Bags and Trane is a real classic so sit back and enjoy the work of five Jazz masters!