John Coltrane (tenor sax), Duke Ellington (piano), Jimmy Garrison (bass) and Elvin Jones (drums). From the album Duke Ellington & John Coltrane (1963).
In this album, Ellington and Coltrane showed the importance of the saxophone along with the predominance of the piano. Although the album could have been a failure due to the age difference of the musicians, we found an informal gathering of people of similar ideas. Instead of using the Ellington musicians as accompanists, it was chosen to play with the Coltrane group. The group adapted perfectly to Ellington's themes. Although Coltrane belonged to the avant-garde style, he also knew traditional jazz. Ellington had also regained his reputation after the 1958 Newport Festival.
Ellington begins with a thoughtful introduction. Then Coltrane enters with a very beautiful melody, and repeats it to the delight of the listener. The bridge is like the words of a lover towards his beloved. Ellington extends the chords contributing with his particular way of playing the piano. Finally, Coltrane returns to play that exquisite song, ending Ellington with his eloquent introduction.
© Impulse! Records
