Coltrane's only official Blue Note release during his lifetime, and many say his best all around album. Although I prefer Love Supreme in its soulful experimentation and breaking of standard jazz ideals, Blue Train and Giant Steps are my favorite Trane albums within the standard Jazz boundary (it's an easy call for the newbie and advanced listener). The intro to the first self titled track is an all-time classic entrance. Then Trane busts the curtains playing faster than the speed of our thought. Many say this is also some of the best work of trumpeter Lee Morgan, bassist Paul Chambers, and Drummer "Philly" Joe Jones as Trane shares the spotlight on all of the tracks equally. This heavyweight 180g reissue is part of the Leloir Collection, a limited retrospective series of some of the best jazz albums of all time with new artwork incorporating Jean-Pierre Leloir's iconic photography. Highly recommended.

• limited edition
• 180 gram virgin vinyl reissue
• new cover art featuring iconic photos by Jean-Pierre Leloir
• deluxe gatefold sleeve
• music label: Jazz Images 2016

reviewed by the mgmnt 09/2014