John Coltrane: Ballads (Verve Essentials) (140 g) (LP)

Even though some critics found Coltrane’s ballads too light, there is nothing to fault in this album. The jazz saxophonist does what he always did: With a tireless drive to develop both personally and artistically, he explores new ways of playing. On *Ballads*, he emphasizes his gentler side—a path he had previously explored with Johnny Hartman and Duke Ellington. This collaboration with McCoy Tyner is neither aggressive nor outwardly focused. Coltrane is completely at ease, sometimes predictable, and yet these are the album’s strengths. John Coltrane (1926–1967) developed a style entirely his own, characterized in particular by his melodic phrasing and his unmistakable sound. He is thus regarded as one of the all-time greats of jazz history. “Ballads” is a collection of his sophisticated and soulful interpretations of several standard ballads, which particularly highlight his “divine” sound and rank among Coltrane’s classics. Whether for dinner or for relaxation—this Coltrane compilation can be savored like a full-bodied Bordeaux from the Médoc. Full of character and unmistakable! Jazz as it should sound! “Ballads” is a special Coltrane masterpiece and enduring bestseller, recorded in December 1961 with Coltrane’s classic quartet: pianist McCoy Tyner, bassist Jimmy Garrison, and drummer Elvin Jones. When asked about the reason for such a project, Coltrane replied: “Diversity.” The recording captures the famous John Coltrane Quartet in a performance of timeless ballads. Coltrane was one of jazz’s greatest balladeers, and his lyrical talents are clearly on display here. The Verve Essentials series offers high-quality LP reissues of famous albums from the legendary jazz label at an attractive price. They are produced from hi-res masters, pressed on 140-gram vinyl by Optimal, and packaged in faithful-to-the-original single-sleeve covers. The perfect introduction for new jazz fans or an affordable way to fill gaps in your collection.