John Coltrane Quartet

Biography

John Coltrane, born on September 23, 1926, in Hamlet, North Carolina, was a pivotal figure in jazz history. His early musical influences included his father, a part-time musician, and he began studying clarinet and alto saxophone. Coltrane's career took off when he joined Miles Davis's quintet in 1955, where he developed his skills alongside Davis, Red Garland, Paul Chambers, and Philly Joe Jones. This period was marked by the release of influential albums like Cookin', Relaxin', Workin', and Steamin'[1][6]. In 1957, Coltrane worked with Thelonious Monk, further expanding his musical horizons. He formed his first quartet in 1960, featuring McCoy Tyner, Elvin Jones, and Steve Davis, later replaced by Jimmy Garrison. This quartet became renowned for its modal jazz explorations, as seen in My Favorite Things and A Love Supreme[1][5]. Coltrane's work with Impulse Records from 1961 until his death in 1967 showcased his experimental and spiritual approach to jazz, influencing generations to come[2][6].

Fun Facts

• John Coltrane's first recorded solo was on Dizzy Gillespie's 'We Love to Boogie' in 1951.
• Coltrane's album My Favorite Things became a radio hit and his biggest commercial success.
• He was known for his intense practice regimen, often practicing for hours a day.
• Coltrane's wife, Alice Coltrane, was also a jazz musician and composer who played in his band during his later years.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Miles Davis - Band leader and mentor during the 'First Great Quintet' (Cookin', Relaxin', Workin', Steamin') [1955-1957]
• Thelonious Monk - Influential pianist and composer (Live at the Five Spot—Discovery!) [1957]
• Dizzy Gillespie - Early influence and collaborator (We Love to Boogie) [Early 1950s]

Key Collaborators

• McCoy Tyner - Pianist in the John Coltrane Quartet (My Favorite Things, A Love Supreme) [1960-1966]
• Elvin Jones - Drummer in the John Coltrane Quartet (My Favorite Things, A Love Supreme) [1960-1966]
• Jimmy Garrison - Bassist in the John Coltrane Quartet (A Love Supreme, Meditations) [1961-1966]

Artists Influenced

• Wayne Shorter - Influenced by Coltrane's modal jazz (Speak No Evil) [1960s]
• Joe Henderson - Influenced by Coltrane's improvisational style (Inner Urge) [1960s]
• Freddie Hubbard - Influenced by Coltrane's experimental approach (Ready for Freddie) [1960s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Say It (Over And Over Again) (Ballads (Deluxe Edition - Rudy Van Gelder Remaster))
2. It's Easy To Remember (Ballads (Deluxe Edition - Rudy Van Gelder Remaster))
3. Nancy (With The Laughing Face) (Ballads (Deluxe Edition - Rudy Van Gelder Remaster))
4. They Say It's Wonderful (Ballads (Deluxe Edition - Rudy Van Gelder Remaster))
5. Too Young To Go Steady (Ballads (Deluxe Edition - Rudy Van Gelder Remaster))
6. Soul Eyes (Coltrane (Deluxe Edition - Rudy Van Gelder Remaster))
7. I Wish I Knew (Ballads (Deluxe Edition - Rudy Van Gelder Remaster))
8. What's New (Ballads (Deluxe Edition - Rudy Van Gelder Remaster))
9. You Don't Know What Love Is (Ballads (Deluxe Edition - Rudy Van Gelder Remaster))
10. Bessie's Blues (Crescent)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #jazz