John Coltrane Afro Blue

 

 I heard Afro Blue for the first time when the choreography for the  Dayton Dance Company ADF performance featured this track at Stewart Theatre back in 1996.  I was mesmerized by the dancer’s hypnotic synchronized movement to this Afro Blue Coltrane track.  Such an incredible tour de force the way it builds momentum, from a very subtle intro, middle, and crescendo (inspirational)!

The second John Coltrane track is My Favorite Things, a cover by Coltrane on soprano sax, where he fluidly demonstrates his melodic mastery. This is the track I return to whenever the creative juices are flowing.  I find listening to this track aids the creative process. There are so many Coltrane tracks worthy of multiple listenings at different times in one life.  Giant Steps is often mentioned as one many admire.   My Three favorite tracks, in no particular order, are featured here for you.   (Afro Blue, My Favorite Things and Naima).

One more aside:  For many years I kept a very large, dry mounted print of the Blue Train album cover image in my music study.  The B&W image of John Coltrane wetting a reed with his Tenor sax in his lap.  A giant influence on me and so many others who took up playing saxophone after hearing a master like Coltrane play the tenor or soprano.  I practiced Alto Sax etudes while Coltrane’s image and discerning presence hovered prominently “in the room”.


 

Afro Blue for you

Here are the featured tracks from this article available today on Amazon Digital Music, (Naima, My Favorite Things, and Afro Blue).  Simply click on a selection below, (your choice).  When you click on a selection below you will be transported to Apple Music to either safely and securely make the purchase or browse freely for another selection.  Clicking on the selection below does in no way add to your cart or obligate you to a purchase.  The buying decision is your own, utilizing the familiar safe and secure Apple Music/Itunes portal.