In 1962 John Coltrane was under assault from conservative critics who had labeled his tumultuous extended performances "anti-jazz." In response he entered the studios to create this classic collection of both well known and obscure ballads. Coltrane was one of jazz's greatest ballad players, a fact sometimes overlooked in the controversy that swirled about his work, and his lyrical gifts are in sharp relief here. They're transmitted through one of the most beautiful tones that jazz has ever produced, suggesting a rare metal that has just been discovered. The material brings out the best in pianist McCoy Tyner, who is prominently featured and whose harmonic subtlety and limpid grace shine throughout. --Stuart Broomer
The most beautiful collection of ballads, and in fact the disc i most enjoy listening to.
Posted by Anonymous, on 2006-08-09
Half of the first "classic quartet" recordings.
2
It's difficult to review a John Coltrane album without taking it in context with the rest of his catalog. From his earliest studio sessions with his classic quartet (the same sessions produced Coltrane" as well), "Ballads" is a fine album, but it just cannot hold up to what would come in the future.
Bassist Jimmy Garrison was the last piece in the band, having joined Coltrane in late 1961 after leaving Ornette Coleman's group whereas pianist McCoy Tyner and drummer Elvin Jones had joined Trane's band a year before. By the second half of 1962 when these sessions were held, this was a finely tuned unit. The recordings are by and large adventerous hard bop-- all ballad standards, with Trane performing on tenor and soprano. Trane isn't generally though of as a ballad performer, but he could really dig in deep and pull some absolutely jaw dropping performances (most notably "Too Young to Go Steady" and the lush and exciting "It's Easy to Remember"), and certainly Tyner and to a lesser extent Jones excel in this mode-- the pianist is totally in his element, framing the leader and settling up his own solos with extraordinary inventiveness and creativity, while Jones on drums gets a rare opportunity to show off his fantastic brush technique.
But as nice as this material is, Trane was meant for bigger and better things than exploring standards. It's pleasant enough, it's a good listen, but his work would go so much further, even as early the following spring. And certainly comparing this material to the triumphs of 1964 ("Crescent" and "A Love Supreme"), it feels positively lightweight and unexciting. It's good material, and if you've a love for hard bop moreso than exploratory jazz, then by all means, this is for you, but I see this largely as a stepping stone on the way to something bigger.
Posted by Anonymous, on 2005-10-18
BALLADS: timeless beautiful jazz
5
of all the John Coltrane cd's that i own, i seem to play Ballads the most. why? because it is pure beauty stated simply with purpose and ease. John was a true master of music and he seemed to have an exceptionally special sensitive touch with ballads. a signature Coltrane album and a landmark recording. essential.
