Blue Train: The Complete Masters

歴史的な発掘!録音65周年を迎えたジョン・コルトレーン『ブルー・トレイン』の初出音源含む未発表テイクを網羅した完全盤のリリース!

ジョン・コルトレーンが1957年に録音し、ブルーノートに残した唯一のリーダー作であり永遠の名盤『ブルー・トレイン』。ジャズ史上最も人気のある作品の一つだが、レコーディングから65周年を記念して、最新リマスタリングを施したオリジナル・アルバムに加えて別テイク7曲を収録した完全盤。オリジナル・アルバムの1枚目と未発表の別テイクや未完成テイクを収録した2枚目から成る2CD盤。

ジョン・コルトレーンが1957年9月15日、ニュージャージー州ハッケンサックにあるルディ・ヴァン・ゲルダー氏のリビング・ルームのスタジオに入り、録音した彼の最初の偉大な傑作で、ブルーノートからリリースした唯一のアルバム。

【パーソネル】John Coltrane (ts) Lee Morgan (tp) Curtis Fuller (tb) Kenny Drew (p) Paul Chambers (b) Philly Joe Jones (ds)

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