Ballads

Artists

Album Info

Release Date: 2013

Label: Essential Jazz Classics

Presented here in its entirety, the celebrated 1962 LP Ballads album (Impulse AS-32) was the last word in John Coltrane's ballad playing and became an instant hit. One of the most revolutionary saxophonists in jazz history, Coltrane was also a superb ballad player, capable of creating a very personal and intimate sound. This album features the leader backed by the members of his classic quartet, with McCoy Tyner on piano, Jimmy Garrison on bass, and Elvin Jones on drums.

As a bous, we have added five earlier ballad performances by Trane, most of them in a quartet format (an amazing duet with Kenny Burrell is also included), and closing with the saxophonist's ultimate ballad composition, "Naima".