John Coltrane - Giant Steps ( Jazz )

1. Giant Steps
2. Cousin Mary
3. Countdown
4. Spiral
5. Syeeda's Song Flute
6. Naima
7. Mr. P.C.
8. Giant Steps
9. Naima
10. Cousin Mary
11. Countdown
12. Syeeda's Song Flute

 

Easily one of the best Trane cd's...and greatest jazz recordings of the 20th century. At this point in his career, Trane was moving away from his 'sheets of sound' years where he would spend hours before a set, working out harmonies from the chord changes to come up with the 'perfect solo'. With the help of working with Miles Davis on KIND OF BLUE, Trane was shown the light in using modes in his recordings. While 'Giant Steps' isn't as musically free as 'A Love Supreme' or 'Interstellar Space' it is still technically efficient as far as its place within a more structured jazz model. My favorite tracks are the hard swinging 'Spiral' and 'Mr. P.C.', reminiscent of big-band Mingus recordings of the era. Other highlights are the two most popular songs - 'Cousin Mary' and 'Naima,' the latter of which is a tribute to his first wife. He also has another tribute to her after they split called 'Wise One' and can be found on the album CRESCENT. While any fan of good jazz would love this album, it's still a great introduction to those new to jazz. I believe this album is much more accessible than KIND OF BLUE, as it is much more upbeat - you want to dance or snap your fingers to it.