This is one of the most highly underrated entries in
Coltrane
's voluminous catalog. Although the same overwhelming attention bestowed upon
My Favorite Things
was not given to
Coltrane's Sound
upon its initial release, both were actually recorded during the same three-day period in the fall of 1960. So prolific were those recording dates, they informed no less than five different
albums on
Atlantic
. The title could not have been more accurate, as each of the six pieces bear the unmistakable and indelible stamp of
's early-'60s style. "The Night Has a Thousand Eyes" and "Body and Soul" (the only tracks not penned by
) are given unique and distinctive voices. Animating the arrangements on these sessions were
(soprano/tenor sax),
Steve Davis
(bass),
Elvin Jones
(drums), and
McCoy Tyner
(piano). It's perhaps
Tyner
's recollection of the quartet as "four pistons in an engine" that most aptly explains the singular drive heard during
's extended runs on
"Liberia."
flawlessly complements
with full resonating chords that cling to his volley of sound. The rhythmic gymnastics of percussionist
Jones
is also showcased as his double-jointed
bop
swing and
military band
precision are distinctly displayed on the
blues
"Equinox."
The opening six bars give
a chance to make a contrasting statement -- which he takes full advantage of. Regardless of the lack of attention, these recordings remain among Trane's finest. [Some reissues add two bonus tracks, "26-2" as well as an alternate take of "Body and Soul."] ~ Lindsay Planer