rmeyer52
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Interplay John Coltrane
jazzfan
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John Coltrane is one of jazz's most influential musicians, but one is hard put to find followers who actually play in his style. Rather, he is influential by example; inspiring musicians to experiment, take chances, and devote themselves to their craft.

Here's partial list:

Dave Liebman, Billy Harper, Azar Lawrence, Michael Brecker, Jerry Bergonzi, Gary Bartz, John Stubblefield and Branford Marsalis


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If you can however I would highly recommend the Complete Prestige Recordings box set. It will set you back $300 but the music is priceless and some of Coltrane's best.

While much of the Prestige period Coltrane is very enjoyable this period is not usually the one where most people begin with Coltrane. Rather Coltrane's Atlantic recordings and the classic Quartets' Impulse recordings are the more likely starting points for learning about Coltrane. The Atlantic period's features the well known recordings "Giant Steps" and "My Favorite Things". Among the more well known of the Impulse recordings are "Live at The Village Vanguard", "Crescent" and the timeless "A Love Supreme".

I would only suggest investing in the Prestige box set after one as become familiar with Coltrane's Atlantic and Impulse works but if you happen to run across a copy of the Prestige box on eBay....

rmeyer52
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After listening to jazz for over 30 years these artists may come close but do not sound or play like Mr Coltrane. Coltrane kept evolving his musical style and as thus challenged himself to exceed his own expectations in his music.

The earlier music, such as on the Atlantic boxed set, is outstanding as well but the Prestige Boxed set is often overlooked. This set is still outstanding in it's own way and many people prefer this style of jazz as it still had structure and melody to keep listeners entertained.

After listening to Coltrane all weekend there are many people who pretend to be influenced by him but the fact is that they fail as his style was always moving forward

struts
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Great thread guys, keep it coming! I'm learning whether you agree or not...

I am getting into jazz but would consider myself very much a newbie. I enjoy John Coltrane a lot, particualry A Love Supreme which I could listen to all day, it's like a symphony! I also have Blue Train, Giant Steps, Ballads and the Johnny Hartman disc which is another fave. I'll certainly be checking out the others mentioned above.

Just finishing the Downbeat book on Miles Davis which I've enjoyed greatly. I'll see if I can find a good book on Coltrane next. Any other clues for the clueless gratefully received.

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Just finishing the Downbeat book on Miles Davis which I've enjoyed greatly. I'll see if I can find a good book on Coltrane next. Any other clues for the clueless gratefully received.

There are several good to great books on John Coltrane.

Here's the listing from Wikipedia with my comments in italics:

Porter, Lewis (1999). John Coltrane: His Life and Music. University of Michigan Press. ISBN 047208643X. This title is new to me and I haven't read it.

Kahn, Ashley [2002] (2003). A Love Supreme: The Story of John Coltrane's Signature Album, Elvin Jones, Penguin Books. ISBN 0142003522. I have known about this title since it was released but I haven't read it yet.

Nisenson, Eric (1995). Ascension: John Coltrane and His Quest. Da Capo Press. ISBN 0306806444. A wonderful book - highly recommended.

Ratliff, Ben (2007). Coltrane: The Story of a Sound. New York: Farrar, Straus & Giroux. ISBN 0-374-12606-2. I recently bought this book but I haven't read it yet. I would recommend it simply for the fact that Ben Ratliff, who writes for the New York Times, is one of the best jazz critics and writers working today.

Simpkins, Cuthbert [1975] (1989). Coltrane: A Biography. New York: Herndon House Publishers. ISBN 0-915-54282-X. This title is new to me and I haven't read it.

Thomas, J.C. (1975). Chasin' the Trane. New York: Da Capo. ISBN 0-306-80043-8. I read this book many years ago but I do remember that it was pretty good. Recommended

Woideck, Carl (1998). The John Coltrane Companion. New York: Schirmer Books. ISBN 0-02-864790-4. This title is new to me and I haven't read it.

struts
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Thanks jf, I've ordered the Ratliff and the Kahn used on Amazon for next to nothing. Please also keep the music recommendations coming.

rmeyer52
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If you want to learn more about Coltrane the 25 part Tranumentary that I listed in the forum is wonderful because it has comments from other jazz artists talking about Coltrane.

struts
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I saw that, thanks! I think I'll save that until I've read a biography, I suspect I'll get a lot more out of it once I have a better sense for the overall context.

So much to learn, so little time!

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I read Ratliff's book when it came out & I'm very glad I did. One of the best musical bios that I read last year.

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I read Ratliff's book when it came out & I'm very glad I did. One of the best musical bios that I read last year.

Ratliff's book will be the next book I read.

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