In 1961 Coltrane was experimenting with new sounds and going further out in his pursuit of more contemporary jazz. His live recording at the Village Vanguard that year frightened many critics and they responded with bitter, vitriolic criticism of the album.
Coltrane, keen no doubt to keep as many of his more traditional, mainstream supporters as possible, slowed down, recorded two slow ballad albums, one with vocalist Johnny Hartman and this co-operation with Ellington. Surprising though it was to many people, the two got on very well together, showed mutual respect and played some laid back, enjoyable music.
Ellington provided the bulk of the material and wrote the blues Take The Coltrane for his fellow leader. Trane contributed Big Nick, playing it on soprano while Duke, Garrison and Jones provided smooth rhythm behind him. The two rhythm sections took it in turns to play and fitted in well, far better than many people expected. On the opening In A Sentimental Mood, the two principals played smooth, lyrical solos with Bell on bass and Jones at the drums. Even that unlikely combination works quite well.
The mood of co-operation and desire to play gentle modern jazz was a good idea and was successful. Coltrane perhaps didn’t request they play Giant Steps or Chasin’ The Trane – that might have caused problems. Take The Coltrane works best of all, with Coltrane playing a fiery tenor solo and Duke matching him with a solid piano solo and flowing accompaniment. Garrison solos with flair.
This reissue has other delights with two additional tracks, shiny, bright red vinyl, and new sleeve notes by Brian Morton. If you don’t have it grab this one.
Discography
(1) In A Sentimental Mood; Take The Coltrane; Big Nick; Stevie; (2) In A Sentimental Mood (20.03) – (1) My Little Brown Book; Angelica; The Feeling Of Jazz (3) Big Nick (20.57)
(1) Coltrane (ts, ss); Duke Ellington (p); Jimmy Garrison, Aaron Bell (b); Sam Woodyard, Elvin Jones (d). New Jersey, 26 September 1962. (2) Ellington (p); Wendell Marshall (b); Butch Ballard (d). Hollywood, 14 April 1953. (3) Coltrane (ts); McCoy Tyner (p); Jimmy Garrison (b); Elvin Jones (d). New Jersey, 11 April 1962.
20th Century Masterworks 350267
