Requisites

Blue Train ~ John Coltrane | By Eddie Carter

John Coltrane steps into the spotlight for this morning’s discussion with his only release for Alfred Lion’s label, Blue Train (Blue Note BLP 1577/BST 81577). It was recorded in 1957 and released a year later, has stood the test of time, and is considered one of the essential records to own in the tenor saxophonist’s discography. Blue Train is his third album as a leader and also highlights his compositions, he wrote four of the five selections and personally picked the musicians who accompany him on this date. Lee Morgan on trumpet, Curtis Fuller on trombone, Kenny Drew on piano, Paul Chambers on bass, and “Philly” Joe Jones on drums round out the sextet. My copy used in this report is the Classic Records Mono audiophile reissue sharing the original catalog number.

Side One leaves the station with Blue Train, a mid tempo blues that the sextet sets in motion to an easy-going beat. John soars effortlessly through the rhythm section in the first solo. Lee follows with a happy, relaxed groove, then Curtis gives a perfectly crafted, full-toned reading. Kenny shapes the next statement with some bluesy dialogue and Paul covers plenty of ground in the finale preceding the ensemble’s reprise and climax. Moment’s Notice is next and it’s ablaze from the start of the melody. Coltrane takes the lead with a pulse-quickening performance. Fuller comes in for an energetic excursion next, then Morgan swings vibrantly into the third reading. Chambers goes for a short walk and Drew gets a scintillating presentation on the closer leading to the ending theme.

Locomotion speeds down the track to begin Side Two and the sextet gives the uptempo melody a workout. John takes a swift run on the opening solo; next Curtis jumps into the second reading aggressively, then Lee follows with a stunning showpiece. Kenny raises the energy level of the following interpretation. Philly closes the proceedings on a few fiery phrases before the sextet takes it out. I’m Old Fashioned by Jerome Kern and Johnny Mercer starts with a tender melody by Coltrane who continues caressing the first solo with sultry notes. Fuller brings out breathtaking beauty in the next statement. Drew compliments them with sincere elegance subtly supported by Chambers and Jones. Morgan closes with a great delicacy that’s beautifully executed.

The sextet steps back into high gear on Lazy Bird with a nimble opening chorus. Lee leads the charge with electric energy. Curtis follows with fiery passion on the second statement, then John swings with fierce intensity. Kenny tears into the next reading enthusiastically, next Paul does a brief bit of bass walking. “Philly” adds a fitting closer with an exhilarating drum solo ahead of the ensemble’s finish. Blue Train was originally produced by Alfred Lion, and Rudy Van Gelder was the recording engineer. Bernie Grundman mastered the album from the original analog tapes. This reissue was pressed on 200-gram Quiex SV-P audiophile vinyl. The sound quality is sensational with a superb soundstage that’s a sonic treat, and the record is absolutely quiet until the music starts. If you like jazz, I can’t think of a better choice for your library than Blue Train by John Coltrane. The album is a bona fide classic that you can enjoy endlessly and a must-have for any jazz fan!

~ I’m Old Fashioned – Source: JazzStandards.com
© 2022 by Edward Thomas Carter

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