Almost five years after the event British listeners at last have a chance of studying the record which, more than anything else, was responsible for the ‘new thing’ controversy. It was predated by Ornette Coleman’s free-form experiments, but critics could easily dismiss that unknown player as a weird eccentric. With Coltrane the case was different – he had already proven himself to be an exceptional player by conventional standards (a sure sign of this were the numbers of saxophonists who copied him). When ‘Trane’ came here a year later we were even less prepared for the drastic change of style, for Coltrane Jazz (London LTZ-K 15219) gave only the slightest hint of his new method. I remember that our audiences were nonplussed by the long, hypnotic treatments of Things and Summertime, both included on this album. I understand the reason for the delayed release was an official objection to this version of Things by the publishers over here. Evidently time has mellowed their attitude!
The record served to introduce John’s fresh approach, his new group (still intact save for a change of bass player) and his first recordings on soprano sax (Things, Ev’ry Time). Coltrane’s radical explorations of the chords are confined to the opening tracks of each side which run for 13½ and 11½ minutes respectively. Ev’ry Time is a thoughtful ballad rendition, while But Not For Me grooves along in an uncomplicated medium-tempo bag which suits John and pianist McCoy Tyner very well. Played immediately before or after A Love Supreme, My Favourite Things shows us there has been practically no alteration in Coltrane’s conception, despite his claim of divine inspiration since 1960. In fact he sounded a better improviser then.
I have received a great deal of pleasure from my imported French copy of this set during the past three years. It has kept a place in my collection – more than can be said for the bulk of Coltrane’s subsequent output – because of its durability. This is potent, savage, restless music that mirrors the frustrations of our times.
Discography
My Favourite Things; Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye (19¼ min) – Summertime; But Not For Me (21 min)
John Coltrane (sop/ten); McCoy Tyner (p); Steve Davis (bs); Elvin Jones (d). NYC. 2-24-26/10/60.
(Atlantic ATL or stereo SAL 5022 12inLP 32s. 2d.)
