Search - John Coltrane, Eric Dolphy :: Live At Birdland: 1962

The best live with Eric Dolphy

maurizio Garbolino | Cirie', (To) Italy | 07/03/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I think this album contains the best version I know of 'My favourite things' (I have listened to at least 10 versions) + the band is really at its maximum - A Must Have"

One of the greatest jazz records - outstanding music

JEAN-MARIE JUIF | BESANCON France | 09/16/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There is no mistake : this is one of the greatest jazz recordings of all times. John Coltrane's quartet is at its peak,recorded at Birdland,November 18,1963.Elvin Jones confirms his rank as one of all times greatest percussionists,Jimmy Garrison and McCoy Tyner plays great.And Trane's playing is simply out of this world.This is pure magic,40 minutes of the most urgent,loving and violent music of all times.There is no word to describe the greatness of these instants.THis is real "live" music;"live" referring to "life" ,to the urgence of speaking,of loving,just of beeing.I discovered this version of "afro blue" some twenty years ago,when I was 16,and still it knocks me out everytime I listen to it.But there is a second absolute masterpiece in this record : the haunting "Alabama",a melody that is so close to Skip James' blues."Alabama" was written after the very sad events that occured in this state in the early sixties.Black children that were insulted and beaten while trying to go to school,bombs in black churches."Alabama" is a masterpiece,at the same level than Billie Holiday's "strange fruit",and it speaks of the same things.Every jazz lover MUST have this record,one of the hardest,strongest ever done.This is absolute great music,one of the most important things ever recorded.And maybe John Coltrane's most indispensable album."