John Coltrane: The Complete Africa/Brass Sessions :: 1995

In 1961 John Coltrane's explorations of different modes and rhythms led to several powerful works that invoked other cultures, like "Olé," "India," and "Brazilia." While those pieces were all recorded with expanded versions of his quartet, "Africa" was a unique opportunity, with Eric Dolphy's arrangements for up to 13 brass and reed instruments providing a setting of volcanic energy for Coltrane's majestic, declamatory tenor and the surging drumming of Elvin Jones. The orchestrations, as well as the solos, vary on the two sessions heard here, and there are also thoughtful adaptations of traditional material like "Greensleeves," a lilting feature for Coltrane's soprano saxophone that recalls the earlier treatment of "My Favorite Things," and "Song of the Underground Railroad." The two-CD complete collection expands on the original release with alternate takes of "Africa" and "Greensleeves" as well as a previously unissued recording of "The Damned Don't Cry." --Stuart Broomer

John Coltrane Tenor Saxophone
McCoy Tyner Piano
Reggie Workman Bass
Elvin Jones Drums
Booker Little Trumpet
Julian Priester Trombone
Eric Dolphy Alto Saxophone, Flute, Bass Clarinet
Freddie Hubbard Trumpet
Charles Greenlee Trombone

Disc 1

1.Greensleeves
2.Song Of The Underground Railroad
3.Greensleeves (Alternate Take)
4.The Damned Don't Cry
5.Africa (1st Version)

Disc 2

1.Blues Minor
2.Africa (Alternate Take)
3.Africa

Original sessions produced by Creed Taylor.
Reissue produced by Michael Cuscuna.
Recording Engineer: Rudy Van Gelder.
Recorded at the Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, NJ on May 23,1961 (Disc One) and June 4, 1961 (Disc Two).
Disc One # 1 and Disc # 2-3 originally issued on Africa/Brass (AS-6).
Disc One # 2, 3 and Disc Two # 1 originally issued on Africa/Brass (AS-9273).
Disc One # 4, 5 originally issued on Trane's Modes (IZ 9361