Search - John Coltrane :: John Coltrane Plays for Lovers

Five if you like jazz mellow, four if you want variety...

William E. Adams | Midland, Texas USA | 02/11/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This compilation from several Coltrane albums on Prestige from the 1950's is comprised of nine tracks, all seductive and slow. Of course the music is superb, with the only flaw being a lack of variety in tempo and mood. The world is filled with jazz albums "For Lovers" or with the title "Love Songs"--some are great and varied, like the compilations for Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington. Others, however, can get a bit...well, boring, like "Miles Davis Love Songs" and to a lesser extent, this one by the great 'Trane. John became quite controversial in the '60's when he jumped into the "free jazz" movement, which is hard on my ears and brain. His earlier stuff, however, is to die for. I like a bit more bop in my albums than this one offers, but it would be a fine introduction to a person who is a bit afraid of jazz or of Coltrane in particular. And after one gets to like these ballads, try "Blue Train" and "Giant Steps" and the compilation "'Trane's Blues." They rock. I already had three of the nine songs on this CD on other discs, but I bought this one anyway, for the other six and because I liked the three I already knew. Anything by John issued before 1960 is safe and great, and a few of his releases between 1960 and 1965 are also accessible. Scan the reviews and listen to the samples before you click on "purchase." My one real quibble with these albums designated for "lovers" is that the people who put them together seem to think that a toe-tappin' beat kills the mood. I think a couple of uptempo tunes to start off would get the blood circulating, and then one could settle down and get cozy with one's date as the ballads come along."