JOHN COLTRANE - AFRICA - BRASS (180g IMPORT LP)

Among the many albums which John Coltrane recorded for Impulse, Africa/Brass - along with A Love Supreme - is probably one of his most important. One reason is that on the present album he deviates from a normal quartet formation and employs trumpets, four coranglais (English horns), baritone sax, two euphoniums and a tuba. This instrumental combination produces a thick carpet of sound above which soar his improvisations on the tenor saxophone. Between the two layers of sound is a continuous African rhythm, provided by the two bass players Art Davis and Reggie Workman who complement one another wonderfully. Apart from John Coltrane, only the pianist McCoy Tyner performs solo interludes. The use of two basses is fundamental to the African rhythm of the album while the low brass instruments deliver the 'atmosphere' which is why the album is appropriately entitled Africa/Brass. As to the studio and recording technique, the name Rudy Van Gelder says it all.

1. Africa
2. Greensleeves
3. Blues Minor