Dakar (180g) [VINYL]

This fascinating album was recorded in New Jersey on April 20, 1957 with John Coltrane(tenor sax); Cecil Payne, Pepper Adams(baritone sax); Mal Waldron(piano); Doug Watkins(bass) & Art Taylor(drums).It was first reissued under John Coltrane's name as 'Dakar' in 1963.The session was supervised by vibraphonist Teddy Charles who chose the line-up and the six tracks include three of his originals plus two from Pepper Adams and one from Mal Waldron.Coltrane's powerful and urgent tenor playing makes a striking contrast with the deep, rich sound of the baritonists.An unusual and overlooked album in the Coltrane discography, this RVG edition(2008) of 'Dakar' deserves a place in any modern jazz collection.

At this stage Coltrane was still some way off finding his feet before he really became a leading figure in jazz, but you can hear the quality in his playing none the less. Don’t be talked into ignoring these early Coltrane albums they are all really good, and only lesser in comparison to the dizzying heights he would soon achieve.

A very good record from Coltrane