Tribute to John Coltrane: Live under the Sky (1987)

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By and large, tribute shows are often a letdown. Bob Dylan's 30th anniversary show, for example, just made you realize how much better the troubadour's material was when he first performed it. When an artist has died, it can be even worse. Their contemporaries often fall all over themselves, gushing embarrassingly hyperbolic praise. Filmed in Japan in 1987, this tribute to the late jazz genius John Coltrane is a definite exception. The musicians, sax players Wayne Shorter and Dave Liebman, pianist Richie Beirach, bassist Eddie Gomez, and drummer Jack DeJohnette--all great in their own right--keep the eulogizing minimal and instead focus on interpreting a small handful of Coltrane's important works. Interpreting is key here, as the band often uses Coltrane's material as a jumping-off point before spiraling into inspired, freeform improvisation. Their best playing is showcased during two tunes of Coltrane's seminal album, Giant Steps: "Mr. PC" is upbeat, dizzying, and comes very close to rockin', while "Naima" (one of Coltrane's most lyrical, gorgeous pieces) is full of atmosphere and somber emotion. The band lets it all hang out (and nearly falls apart) during "Impressions," but somehow manages to stay balanced enough to pull it off. The sound is perfect here, and while the visuals don't offer much to look at, all you really need to do is listen. Coltrane would be pleased. Review Taken from Amazon.com

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Tracklist:
01. Mr.P.C.
02. After The Rain / Naima
03. India / Impressions

Artist list:
WAYNE SHORTER — soprano sax
DAVE LIEBMAN — soprano sax
RICHIE BEIRACH — piano
EDDY GOMES — bass
JACK DE JOHNETTE — drums