Dwain

• Blue Train by John Coltrane is an iconic recording that reaches beyond the boundaries of jazz. The album is truly a jazz masterpiece and a unique lightning strike in time. Coltrane combines forces with Blue Note for the only time in his career and what we get is a hard bop recording that will stand toe to toe with any other in history. It is clear the amount of thought that went into this recording and how well thought out the compositions were. The musicians that Coltrane recruited to make this vision come true could not have been more perfect for the task. They bring great energy and impeccable playing to every single track. It speaks volumes that 4 of the 5 tracks on the album are original Trane compositions and have nearly all become standards.

• The curation of the album is brilliant in every single way. The first track “Blue Train” is also the title track and yep, you guessed it, the most famous recording on the album. Blue Train opens with an absolute bang and refuses to let up even an inch. Then we get a true feel for what’s to come in Coltrane’s compositional techniques with the unique movement in Moment’s Notice. Lee Morgan shows again that he is more than prepared to stand and trade blows with Trane throughout the entire session. It feels like they are pushing each other to greatness with the solo sections. Locomotion drives us forward with intensity that is unmatched. The rhythm section is locked and loaded and I challenge you to find a nano-second that they leave the pocket. “I’m Old Fashioned" is a beautiful and tender insight into Trane’s ballad playing which features the other players on the album to perfection.

• Trane’s playing on the album is not near perfection, it’s impeccable. It’s playing like this and the albums that come shortly after with Atlantic and Impulse records that leads to him being considered on the short lists of greatest saxophone players. This album is unique, easy listening, fun and so musical. It’s one of the greatest recordings in the Blue Note catalog and in jazz history. Listen to it, and then go and listen again, and again.

Overall score: 9.7/10

Max

• Coltrane’s only Blue Note album as a leader, Blue Train, will continue to be heralded as a masterpiece. The compositions, solos, and arrangements on this record are timeless and legendary. Trane’s playing on the record is practically flawless, while the album effectively features his supporting cast too. Trumpeter Lee Morgan does well on the melodies to “I’m Old Fashioned” and “Lazy Bird,” while providing stellar lines and an impeccable display of time and feel during every solo. Trombonist Curtis Fuller is rhythmically interesting to listen to, while many of his improvisatory lines and ideas fit right in line with the mood of this record. Kenny Drew’s lines on the piano are also ear-catching in addition to his awesome comping. Paul Chambers is one of those bassists you don’t have to worry about. His ability to assert the time and provide momentum to any tune is noticed and appreciated. Paul’s typical trick-out-of-the-bag use of the bow during his bass solos is displayed here too on “Moment’s Notice” and “Lazy Bird.” The icing on the cake is drummer “Philly” Joe Jones. I dig his hint of the double-time feel on the title track during the horn solos. He also provides great solo choruses when it’s his time to shine on “Locomotion” and “Lazy Bird.”

• The record opens with the almost eerie melody that defines the tune “Blue Train,” incorporating the use of the #9 on those dominant seventh harmonies while solos occur over the predictable 12-bar blues form. “Philly” Joe delivers great accompaniment, implying that quasi double-time feel in the middle of each horn solo that I mentioned earlier. I also think Curtis Fuller delivers an awesome statement with the bone solo. Trane’s solo on this opener is another high-point to the album due to its catchiness and intense movements, while it consistently focuses ideas around the 9 and 6 of the key center. “Moment’s Notice” has a melody and chord structure that implies the direction where Trane is headed with his music after the release of this record. It’s a catchy melody with more intricate changes that uses the 2-5-1 progression moving chromatically. The intro-outro is another compositional technique used here that catches the ear. Trane kills it again with his solo on it, while Lee Morgan takes a sec to warm-up as he really gets into it during his 2nd chorus. “Locomotion” is a 12-bar blues with an added  8-bar bridge. As part of the head, Trane simply blows over the bridge without any designated melody. I would’ve enjoyed a written-out head during that part of the form. The 8-bar break into the bone and trumpet solos is a nice arranging moment. It’s also cool to check out “Philly” Joe’s 1-chorus drum solo as he tends to keep the high-hat on beats 2-and-4 during most of it. The ritardando ending is also a nice touch to the song. “I’m Old Fashioned” features Trane on the head at the top, while Lee Morgan takes the melody towards the end of the track. This is a humbling arrangement, as Trane is the ultimate leader on the hit, yet, he still has the wherewithal to feature other members of the recording in ways other leaders would not. Kenny Drew also works to bring out some blues in his solo, while Curtis Fuller throws in some serious quotes during his ride. “Lazy Bird” closes out the album, yet again, featuring Lee Morgan on the melody. Parts of this melody always sounded unfinished to me. We do, however, get more great soloing from the crew. Curtis Fuller, Lee Morgan, and Trane have got to be the most consistently great soloists of this Blue Note era. It’s also appreciated that each member of the band gets a solo on this last track. It ends with colorful, elongated harmonies that paint the image of stair-steps, bringing the album to its close. We’ve hit the final step of this elaborate staircase.

• Blue Train is Coltrane’s first masterwork in his career. After its release, we get more great records like Giant Steps, My Favorite Things, A Love Supreme, and the list goes on. Trane showcases his impeccable technique, compositional and arranging abilities, and overall musicianship. It’s hard to deny the greatness of this album. It’s basically as close to perfect as possible. Blue Train is essential listening for every serious, or even, casual jazz listener. Fair warning: if you check out John Coltrane’s solo on the opening track one too many times, it WILL get stuck in your head. Same goes for many of these melodies. Hats off to one of the essential Coltrane recordings and all-time Blue Note achievements.

Overall score: 9.5/10