This CD release features the complete Blue Note album "Blue Train" plus four bonus tracks showcasing Coltrane's genius on several sessions from the same period and with similar personnel. 16-page comprehensive booklet included.
John Coltrane stated in a 1960 radio interview that the this album was his favourite recording from his discography.
Tracklisting:
01. Blue Train (10:43)
02. Moment's Notice (9:11)
03. Locomotion (7:15)
04. I'm Old Fashioned (7:59)
05. Lazy Bird (7:07)
06. Trane's Blues (6:57)(*) Bonus Track
07. Just For The Love (3:45) (*) Bonus Track
08. Sonny's Crib (13:31) (*) Bonus Track
09. Smoke Stack (10:13) (*) Bonus Track
Total time: 76:41 min.
Tracks #1-5 originally issued as Blue Note LP 1577.
Personnel: John Coltrane (ts), Lee Morgan (tp), Curtis Fuller (tb), Kenny Drew (p), Paul Chambers (b) and Philly Joe Jones (d). Recorded at Rudy Van Gelder Studio, Hackensack, New Jersey, on September 15, 1957.
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Notes:
"John was taking music another direction. You know, it wasn't just rhythm changes anymore, it was completely different. I made a comment on a record date: 'John, you put this music on us on a moment's notice. We got three hours to rehearse this music and we're gonna record?' And that became the title of the song. He wrote "Moment's Notice." It wasn't trombone-friendly at the time, and I walked up to him and told him once 'John, I'm uncomfortable, you know.' He said, 'Oh, you played it. I heard you, the way you played it.'"
-Curtis Fuller
"Although never formally signed, an oral agreement between John Coltrane and Blue Note Records founder Alfred Lion was indeed honored on Blue Train - Coltrane's only collection of sides as a principal artist for the venerable label. The disc is packed solid with sonic evidence of Coltrane's 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 they're 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 Fuller's 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 "I'm Old Fashioned" is the only standard; in terms of unadulterated sentiment, this version is arguably untouchable. Fuller's rich tones and Drew's 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 Coltrane's career, but of the entire genre of jazz music as well."
Lindsay Planner -All Music Guide
