Prestige/OJC
1957
Traneing In
About This Album
Even with comparatively nominal experience in the role of bandleader, John Coltrane (tenor sax) ably commands the Red Garland Trio -- consisting of Garland (piano), Paul Chambers (bass), and Art Taylor (drums) -- through five selections on John Coltrane with the Red Garland Trio (1958). Here the players are given the perfect platform to demonstrate their respective versatility as performers, combo members, and for Coltrane, as a composer of the project's opener and title track "Traneing In," as well as the masterful "Bass Blues." The former is one of the tenor's best-known works as it not only bears his surname, but also exemplifies some of his trademark performance attributes -- namely his abilities as an effective communicator and arranger. Garland takes the front end of the tune before yielding to Coltrane. Once Chambers gets in on the action, he lets loose with references to the children's seasonal favorite "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" in the playful spirit of the moment. Conversely, the bassist's introduction to the earthy ballad "Slow Dance" begins with a brief excursion into formless dissonance that rapidly dissolves into a noir ballad that shimmers in Coltrane's refreshing, robust, and brisk lines.
Track List

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