John Coltrane: "Blue Train"

This is a classic John Coltrane recording to celebrate his 90th Birthday Anniversary. The album was his only date for Blue Note Records and it occupies the position of Miles Davis' "Kind of Blue", Brubeck's "Take Five" or Coltrane's "A Love Supreme" as being an essential Jazz album. Coltrane was given rehearsal time and was able to hand pick the personnel. He chose a young Lee Morgan on trumpet who was 19 at the time! Curtis Fuller was a new voice on the trombone with his distinctive sound. Kenny Drew on piano was a wise choice with his rhythmic accompaniment and his dancing darting solos. Paul Chambers on bass and the great Philly Joe Jones on drums make up what is arguably the best rhythm section in Jazz at that time. Coltrane had emerged as a stunning soloist when this date was done and had reached an early peak in his playing He had thrown off drugs and alcohol and had embarked with the encouragement of Thelonious Monk and others to practice hard on his horn and the results of that work are here on this pivotal recording that in 1960, Coltrane said was "my favourite". When we listen tonight I think we'll all hear why. Check out "Blue Train".