The Complete November 18, 1961 Paris Concerts

John Coltrane's quintet with Eric Dolphy was recorded extensively during their European tour in 1961, with many of the concerts evidently being broadcast and taped by private collectors. The music heard on this two-CD set was previously available from the now-defunct Mag(Luxe) label, containing both shows from Paris in 1961. The sound quality is better than average, though Elvin Jones' drums are the most prominent instrument, but the rest of the band can be heard. Coltrane tends to solo long, not always giving Dolphy and Tyner the room they deserve, though they are effective when featured. The saxophonist really goes overboard in the extended take of his composition "Blue Train" in the first concert. The obvious highlights for many Coltrane fans are the two lengthy interpretations of "My Favorite Things" that feature the leader's dancing soprano sax, Dolphy's magical flute, and Tyner. The discography of all known recordings made during the tour is given plus detailed liner notes, though there is a glaring error quoting Dolphy as taking part in a November 1964 radio interview, which was impossible given that he died on June 29th of that same year.|