John Coltrane, born 23 September 1926

[Guest]

If he hadn’t knackered his liver through drink and drug abuse in his younger days, it’s quite possible that John Coltrane would be celebrating his 85th birthday today. Indeed, he could still be playing: Ornette Coleman and Sonny Rollins are only a few years younger and remain active.

I asked JRR to play something to mark the occasion, and they will be tomorrow. The particular track (an earlyish one with Red Garland) isn't my choice, though.

Anyone got any recommendations among the really late stuff (with Pharoah Sanders and/or Alice Coltrane). I love the late "classic" quartet albums like Sun Ship, but I've never made much headway with the stuff that came after that.

[Serial_Apologist]

How's about "Seraphic Light" from "Stellar Regions" - one of Trane's last ever recordings? Lasts about 8.58 mins and includes a nice solo from the missus:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enJoWZl25xI&feature=related

[aka Calum Da Jazbo]

[Pilchardman]

I
Anyone got any recommendations among the really late stuff (with Pharoah Sanders and/or Alice Coltrane). I love the late "classic" quartet albums like Sun Ship, but I've never made much headway with the stuff that came after that.

In a way, I think the duet work with Rashied Ali on Interstellar Space is a good way in to the very late stuff. Venus is generally thought the most accessible track: