JOHN COLTRANE blue train DEEP GROOVE blue note LP orig.

$

178

ARTIST: JOHN COLTRANE  

TITLE: BLUE TRAIN

LABEL: BLUE NOTE 1577

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA

YEAR: 1957

COVER CONDITION: G+/VG front cover looks great, but there are definite problems on the back. The worst of these is a tear on the bottom (rear cover), probably caused by some water damage. There is a also a signature "huck". There is some bubbling on the laminate on the front, and general wear and tear. Rear cover (legible around the tearing) has the 43 west 61st street address.

VINYL CONDITION: VG+ very little wear, and no bad scratches. Some scuffs and light marks here and there, of course, but overall this is a nice copy!  "Microgroove" labels are good. No writing.

MATRIX NUMBERS: BN-LP-1577-A/B with the RVG stamp and a little "ear". 1st press!

DETAILS: Coltane's first LP for this iconic jazz label. This is as good as it gets, and this is a first pressing. These are amazingly rare, in any condition. This is your oppurtunity to get a decent copy without paying $1000. Thanks for looking, good luck!

Although never formally signed, an oral agreement between John Coltrane and Blue Note Records founder Alfred Lion was indeed honored on Blue Train — Coltrane's only collection of sides as a principal artist for the venerable label. The disc is packed solid with sonic evidence of Coltrane's innate leadership abilities. He not only addresses the tunes at hand, but also simultaneously reinvents himself as a multifaceted interpreter of both hard bop as well as sensitive balladry — touching upon all forms in between. The personnel on Blue Train is arguably as impressive as what they're playing. Joining Coltrane (tenor sax) are Lee Morgan (trumpet), Curtis Fuller (trombone), Kenny Drew (piano), Paul Chambers (bass), and Philly Joe Jones (drums). The triple horn arrangements incorporate an additional sonic density that remains a trademark unique to both this band and album. Of particular note is Fuller's even-toned trombone, which bops throughout the title track as well as the frenetic "Moments Notice." Other solos include Paul Chambers' subtly understated riffs on "Blue Train" as well as the high energy and impact from contributions by Lee Morgan and Kenny Drew during "Locomotion." The track likewise features some brief but vital contributions from Philly Joe Jones — whose efforts throughout the record stand among his personal best. Of the five sides that comprise the original Blue Train, the Jerome Kern/Johnny Mercer ballad "I'm Old Fashioned" is the only standard; in terms of unadulterated sentiment, this version is arguably untouchable. Fuller's rich tones and Drew's tastefully executed solos cleanly wrap around Jones' steadily languid rhythms. Without reservation, Blue Train can easily be considered in and among the most important and influential entries not only of John Coltrane's career, but of the entire genre of jazz music as well.