Blue Train

Q - 4 stars out of 5 - "...Coltrane's first significant release as a group leader still impresses with its uninhibited energy nearly 46 years on..." JazzTimes - "THE ULTIMATE BLUE TRAIN...lives up to its name.... The sound is better than on the album's previous incarnations. Previously unreleased takes of `Lazy Bird' and the title tune significantly flesh out the record of this historic session..."

With 1957's Blue Train, John Coltrane not only firmly established his own voice on the tenor saxophone, but also proved his abilities as a bandleader and composer. The musicians on Blue Train, handpicked by Coltrane himself, play superbly, not only as individuals, but also as a cohesive unit: a rare occurrence in an era where "all-star" ensembles would come together for one session, then disband just as quickly. 19-year-old trumpeter Lee Morgan spins bop lines in a warm tone, belying his age with his extraordinary playing, while drummer Philly Joe Jones and bassist Paul Chambers keep Blue Train running with impressive agility. Two of Coltrane's compositions here, "Moment's Notice" and "Lazy Bird," contain the seeds of harmonic exploration to be found in his later work. At this stage of his career, Trane was still occupied with blowing over increasingly challenging chord changes. His unique tone could be warm and sweet or sharp and insistent, but was always amazingly expressive. Throughout this revered album, Coltrane packs more emotion into one phrase than most artists are capable of in a whole tune.|

Although never formally signed, an oral agreement between John Coltrane and Blue Note Records founder Alfred Lion was indeed honored on Blue Train -- Coltranes only collection of sides as a principal artist for the venerable label. The disc is packed solid with sonic evidence of Coltranes 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 theyre 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 Fullers 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 "Im Old Fashioned" is the only standard; in terms of unadulterated sentiment, this version is arguably untouchable. Fullers rich tones and Drews 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 Coltranes career, but of the entire genre of jazz music as well. ~ Lindsay Planer

ブルーノートにコルトレーンが残した唯一のリーダー作にしてブルーノートの名盤中の名盤。リー･モーガン、カーティス・フラとの３管による力強く豊かなサウンドと各々のアドリブに注目。 (C)ANCHOR