At the time of recording “Kenny Burrell & John Coltrane” in March of 1958, both were at pivotal stages in their career. Coltrane was playing with Miles Davis, Burrell was a highly respected sideman, able to fit seamlessly into any context, who also recorded sturdy sessions as a leader.
Here they are supported by an all-star cast of Paul Chambers (bass), Jimmy Cobb (drums), and Tommy Flanagan (piano).
What makes this record stand out is the contributions of all five members, who seem to have an equal amount invested in it; this record, which could easily turn into a showcase for the two leaders, ends up as a group effort where everyone gets a chance in the spotlight. Coltrane and Burrell frequently trade off the first solo chair, never hogging the spotlight. The end result is a record in which the best is brought out in five musicians rather than three musicians helping two reach new heights.
This is but one example of many sessions when Coltrane broke away from Miles Davis, taking along his sideman for a fantastical musical adventure.
Kenny Burrell / John Coltrane
“Kenny Burrell & John Coltrane”
Recorded in 1958, released in 1963
CD / 2006 / Remastered / 320Kbps
Tracklist:
Freight Train
I Never Knew
Lyresto
Why Was I Born?
Big Paul
Recorded at the Van Gelder Studio, Hackensack, NJ on March 7th, 1958
Personnel:
Kenny Burrell, guitar
John Coltrane, tenor saxophone
Tommy Flanagan, piano
Paul Chambers, bass
Jimmy Cobb, drums
Kenny Burrell / John Coltrane
“Kenny Burrell & John Coltrane”
Recorded in 1958, released in 1963