Africa Brass | Black LP

John Coltrane | Africa Brass - Black LP

Release date: 08.11.2019

This recording captures so much of what makes John Coltrane arguably the greatest innovator / composer / performer jazz has ever produced. In April 1961 Coltrane assembled a 17-piece orchestra and began recording what would become known as 'Africa/Brass'. Among the jazz luminaries contributing to these landmark sessions are: Booker Little (trumpet), Freddie Hubbard (trumpet), Julian Priester (trombone), Eric Dolphy (alto sax/bass clarinet), McCoy Tyner (piano), Paul Chambers (bass), and Elvin Jones (drums). Coltrane manipulates their power into masterful contrasts between the syncopated rhythms of "Greensleeves" or the full-out bop onslaught of "Songs of the Underground Railroad." The amazing virtuosity in Coltrane's solos hints at the future direction his later avant-garde sides would take. The interaction with Tyner on "Songs of the Underground Railroad" is impeccable. He allows room for Jones and Reggie Workman to likewise engage Tyner or some high-spirited improvisation. This is a key work in understanding the path Coltrane's music took in its final phases. 'Africa/Brass' brilliantly documents this pivotal era in the great man's music.

Vinyl includes ‘Song Of The Underground’, a traditional song recorded at thesame session and included here as a bonus track.