A Trane can hide another!

We listen distractedly albums recorded by Coltrane at Prestige in search of something that would have escaped us and then we said, "And if I réécoutais Blue Train?" .... And suddenly there is enlightenment!

Single disc saxophonist realized for the famous Blue Note label, Blue Trane, recorded at Van Gelder Studio Hackensack at a meeting on 15 September 1957 takes place between two discs of classic Prestige "Trane in" August 23 1957 and "Soul Trane" February 4, 1958, both featuring the same training (Coltrane (ts), Garland (p), Chambers (b) and Taylor (d)). The end of 1957 will in turn Coltrane Thelonious Monk hired by, which compel it to mute his own studio activities. January 1958 recordings will nevertheless be published by late on Prestige albums ("Lush Life" and "the last Trane" in particular).

"Blue Train" is a beautiful album of hard bop which bears the mark of the influence of Miles Davis; not so much in terms of music to that of the organization. The saxophonist, who participated in the first quintet of trumpeter in the previous year, has indeed identified two key lessons from Miles Davis leader: have the best possible knowledge and unleash their inspiration while knowing retain management; an exercise which he will perform brilliantly for the realization of this anthology Blue Train.

It is indeed with a completely new training, with the exception of Paul Chambers, Coltrane addresses this session. There is the young and talented Lee Morgan on trumpet, shining successor of the late Clifford Brown, Curtis Fuller on trombone, certainly one of the best of the time with JJ Johnson, the very bluesy Kenny Drew on piano, finally to the Rhythmic two figures well known to have participated in the Miles Davis Quintet Paul Chambers on bass and Philly Joe Jones on drums.

The first title, "blue train" sets the tone and is very blue, hard bop behind where the walking bass Chambers is Coltrane who opened fire, soon relayed by an explosive Lee Morgan and Curtis Fuller for a rare and inspired trombone solo. Some will blame Coltrane not shine as much as he could on this disc and even to pale under the flamboyant play his sidekick Lee Morgan. But is not it rather what makes the quality of this album? What gives it such a special color? This mixture of cohesion and freedom where the master agrees to disappear behind its partners for the greater common benefit?

Need we say more? "Moment's notice", "Locomotion", "I'm old fashioned" and the wonderful "Lazy Bird" (no bonus on my copy), so many moments of grace to a very large jazz record.

Definitely a must!