John Coltrane – Dakar | Original Jazz Classics Reissue

In the spring of 1957, John Coltrane had gone through two years of artistic growth so concentrated it was astonishing even in the jazz world, where compressed musical development is far from unknown. As the other horn in the Miles Davis Quintet, Coltrane had moved from virtual obscurity to acclaim as the tenor saxophone innovator of the decade. Although major stylistic departures were to come, Coltrane was at a peak of the probing lyricism and strength of his middle period. With the interestingly contrasted baritone saxophonists Cecil Payne and Pepper Adams, and a rhythm section of great smoothness and swing, Dakar is a gem in the Coltrane discography. – Press Release

Musicians:

John Coltrane, tenor sax

Cecil Payne, baritone sax

Pepper Adams, baritone sax

Mal Waldron, piano

Doug Watkins, bass

Arthur Taylor, drums

Tracklisting:

1. Dakar
2. Mary's Blues
3. Route 4
4. Velvet Scene
5. Witches Pit
6. Catwalk

“It's rough and ready music, almost certainly rehearsed for the first time in the studio (with the clock ticking), but it sure is ready. The three saxophonists roar into the opening title track, Payne soloing first, then Coltrane, then Adams. There's a fierce, devil may care atmosphere, rolling around in the sound of the instruments, which establishes a mood sustained throughout the album.” – All About Jazz

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