Duke Ellington & John Coltrane - Duke Ellington & John Coltrane

Even back in 1962, featuring two big names on an LP cover was a great way to boost sales, so they had pianist Duke Ellington join the actual John Coltrane Quartet. They primarily played Ellington’s songs, and this marketing strategy indeed resulted in a remarkable album in which two jazz giants treated the material with the utmost respect. The title track, “In a Sentimental Mood,” in particular, gained from the collaboration between Ellington and Coltrane, but “Take the Coltrane” and “Big Nick” also developed a charm all their own. In addition to Duke Ellington on piano and John Coltrane on tenor and soprano saxophone, the Coltrane Quartet features Jimmy Garrison on bass and Elvin Jones on drums. On some songs, however, Ellington’s partners Aaron Bell on bass and Sam Woodyard on drums also performed.

This album was Duke Ellington and John Coltrane's only recorded encounter ever. For the occasion, Trane and Duke were accompanied by the bassist and drummer of their respective groups (who alternated from track to track), Aaron Bell and Sam Woodyard (from Duke’s rhythm section), and Jimmy Garrison and Elvin Jones (from Trane’s rhythm section). "I was really honored to have the opportunity of working with Duke”, explained the saxophonist following their collaboration.

Features

• Limited Edition 180g Black / Crystal Clear Vinyl LP

Tracklist

A1 IN A SENTIMENTAL MOOD
A2 TAKE THE COLTRANE
A3 BIG NICK
A4 STEVIE

B1 MY LITTLE BROWN BOOK
B2 ANGELICA
B3 THE FEELING OF JAZZ
B4 I GOT IT BAD AND THAT AIN’T GOOD*

Notes

• *Bonus Track (B4): John Coltrane (ts), Donald Byrd (tp), Red Garland (p),
  Jamil Nasser (b), Art Taylor (d). Hackensack, New Jersey, November 15, 1957.

• Label: WaxTime