Review – Coltrane Plays The Blues

Coltrane Plays The Blues is a 1960 jazz album. This was made around the same time as My Favorite Things, and while not as highly regarded as that landmark album, is still a very good, if much more relaxed album.

Despite its name, this album is not purely a blues album. Coltrane always had a deep rooting in blues, as did his once-bandleader Miles Davis, and this album simply goes slightly deeper into it that was standard for him. Blues is, after all, the root of jazz and Coltrane goes back to it here while still remaining sensible of the jazz of the time. This leads to a less fiery, more cool sound. The drawn-out bluesy notes make for a very mellow experience, rather than the raw electricity of his avant-garde albums. This is less of a challenge for the mind, and more of a balm for the ears.

A very worthwhile album, this is a pleasant listen no matter what you look for in your music. Blues to Elvin, Blues to Bechet and Mr. Syms are especially worth hearing. This is definitely a record to purchase.