The Sophisticated Audiophile

August 23, 2010 • 1:29 pm 1

John Coltrane – Fearless Leader

A few months ago, I blogged about the Side Steps of John Coltrane CD boxset. The boxset highlighted his work as a sideman on Prestige Records. Fearless Leader highlights his work as a leader on Prestige Records. The most amazing thing about this 6 CD boxset is that he recorded all of it in only a year and a half. Many musicians would be glad to have this level of output as the entire discography of their careers! This is essential stuff for any Coltrane fan.

Filed under: bebop, Digital, Hard bop, Jazz, Post Bop, Video, Fearless Leader, Hardbop, John Coltrane, Prestige, Prestige Records

May 25, 2010 • 6:56 pm 3

The Side Steps of John Coltrane

John Coltrane needs no introduction to jazz fans. However, most jazz fans know him through his work as a leader and as part of the Miles Davis quintet. Outside of his work with Miles Davis, very few are aware of his extensive work as a sideman on the Prestige label. Between 1956 and 1958, Coltrane was a notable sideman for greats like Tadd Dameron, Red Garland, Elmo Hope, Sonny Rollins, Gene Ammons and more.

Side Steps is a 5-CD set consisting of 43 songs that highlights all of Coltrane’s session work as a Prestige sideman, from 1956 to 1958, sans his work with Miles Davis. The set comes with a wonderful 70 page booklet full of rare session photos and information. It’s a collection worthy of owning for any serious Coltrane fan.

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Filed under: bebop, Digital, Hard bop, Jazz, Post Bop, Jazz, John Coltrane, Prestige, Side Steps

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