Back catalogue: Funk Soul & Jazz

Review: A beautifully made package that presents Coltrane and his ensemble exploring a softer, more introspective side of jazz. The quartet, featuring McCoy Tyner on piano, Jimmy Garrison on bass and Elvin Jones on drums, delivers a captivating performance characterised by sublime improvisation and profound musical expression. Across the album's tracks, including classics like 'Say It (Over and Over Again)' and 'It's Easy to Remember,' Coltrane's saxophone weaves intricate melodies with a soul-stirring resonance, Tyner's piano work adds rich harmonies and delicate textures, while Garrison and Jones provide a solid rhythmic foundation that anchors each composition. Ballads shows Coltrane's ability to convey a wide range of emotions through his music, from tender vulnerability to profound introspection. The quartet's impeccable musicianship and intuitive interplay make this album a timeless treasure in the world of jazz..

Review: The 6th Annual Antibes Jazz Festival was held in Juan-les-Pins on the French Riviera from 24th to 30th July, 1965. Performing artists included the sublime jazz and soul superstars such as Donald Byrd and Nina Simone as well as the great John Coltrane. The jazz don played with his quartet which included pianist McCoy Tyner, drummer Elvin Jones, and bassist Jimmy Garrison. They played on both July 26 and 27 and both sets were recorded by French television and released in 1988 as this album - Live in Antibes - which now gets reissued on double vinyl. Coltrane died of liver cancer less than a year later.

Review: John Coltrane's live performance at the Half Note in New York on February 23, 1963, marks a pivotal moment in his career as well as that of wider jazz history. Accompanied by his "Classic Quartet"i which was of course made up of McCoy Tyner, Jimmy Garrison and Elvin Jonesi the one they called 'Trane engaged in lengthy, intense improvisations on pieces like 'Impressions' and 'My Favorite Things.' This concert exemplifies his spiritual journey and relentless pursuit of musical innovation while showcasing the essence of his avant-garde style and extraordinary virtuosity. Coltrane's exploration of sound during this performance not only redefined jazz but also left a lasting impact on the genre's evolution.