Heed the Call
Jack Baker | LeRoy,IL | 03/18/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Happily, I stumbled across this album by accident the other day. The compositions of Tadd Dameron are quite soulful, the perfect vehicle for the expressive tenor of John Coltrane. Joined here by Miles Davis Quintet member Philly Joe Jones and John Simmons on bass, Coltrane and Dameron make for a dynamic duo. Dameron's piano playing is quite beautiful and I really enjoy the way Coltrane sounds here. This album was recorded just months after the famous Quintet sessions (Workin', Steamin', Cookin', and Relaxin'), finding Trane in fine form. He's not quite yet the powerhouse he would become, but his tone is still full and expressive. The liner notes seem to feel that another horn would have improved this session, but I disagree. Coltrane's big sound fills the space more than adequately and leaves plenty of room for Dameron to shine as well. I had never heard of Mr. Dameron prior to discovering this recording, but both his playing and composing will compel me to seek out other recordings. Each track is unique and interesting. My personal favorite is "On a Misty Night", which was worth the purchase price of the album alone. This album is worth checking out, not only for fans of Coltrane, but for all jazz fans. This album is a true find. Highly recommended."