John Coltrane - Giant Steps

Analogue Productions (Atlantic 75 Series)

Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of Atlantic Records!

John Coltrane's watershed 1960 release featuring the iconic title track and "Naima"

One of the most influential jazz albums of all time!

180-gram 45 RPM double LP

Mastered directly from the original master tape by Ryan K. Smith at Sterling Sound

Pressed at Quality Record Pressings

Tip-on old style gatefold double pocket jacket by Stoughton Printing

Released in 1960, Giant Steps was a watershed album for John Coltrane, solidifying the saxophone legend's reputation as one of the most influential and innovative musicians in jazz history, as well as delivering jazz to an increasingly mainstream audience, while garnering significant critical acclaim.

Although this was John Coltrane's debut for Atlantic, he was concurrently performing and recording with Miles Davis. Within the space of less than three weeks, Coltrane would complete his work with Davis and company on another genre-defining disc, Kind of Blue, before commencing his efforts on this one.

Coltrane (tenor sax) is flanked here by essentially two different trios. Recording commenced in early May of 1959 with a pair of sessions that featured Tommy Flanagan (piano) and Art Taylor (drums), as well as Paul Chambers — who was the only bandmember other than Coltrane to have performed on every date. When recording resumed in December of that year, Wynton Kelly (piano) and Jimmy Cobb (drums) were instated — replicating the alternate non-Bill Evans lineup featured on "Freddie the Freeloader" on Kind of Blue, sans Miles Davis of course. At the heart of these recordings, however, is the laser-beam focus of Coltrane's tenor solos.

All seven pieces issued on the original Giant Steps are Coltrane compositions. He was, in essence, beginning to rewrite the jazz canon with material that would be centered on solos — enabling the solo to become infinitely more compelling. This would culminate in a frenetic performance style using melodic phrasing that noted jazz journalist Ira Gitler accurately dubbed "sheets of sound."

The Giant Steps chord progression consists of a distinctive set of chords that create key centers a major third apart. Jazz musicians ever since have used it as a practice piece, its difficult chord changes presenting a "kind of ultimate harmonic challenge", and serving as a gateway into modern jazz improvisation. Several pieces on this album went on to become jazz standards, most prominently "Naima" and "Giant Steps."

The Penguin Guide to Jazz selected this album as part of its suggested "Core Collection" calling it "Trane's first genuinely iconic record." In 2003, the album was ranked No. 102 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, 103 in a 2012 revised list, and 232 in a 2020 revised list.

Undeniable music perfection deserves definitive sound and top-notch packaging. This reissue was mastered directly from the original master tape by Ryan K. Smith at Sterling Sound and cut at 45 RPM. Pressed on 180-gram vinyl at Quality Record Pressings, and housed in a tip-on old style gatefold double pocket jacket by Stoughton Printing.

Overall, Giant Steps is not only a critical triumph but also a defining moment in John Coltrane's career. Its innovative compositions, masterful performances, and profound influence on jazz make it an essential entry in Coltrane's discography and a timeless masterpiece in the history of the genre.

 

Side 1

Giant Steps

Cousin Mary

Side 2

Countdown

Spiral

Side 3

Syeeda's Song Flute

Side D

Naima

Mr. P.C.

Customer Reviews (5.00 Stars) 5 person(s) rated this product.

Kudos to Chad and the AP Crew posted on 10/05/2024 5 Stars Reviewer: Jake C It is true, there are problems with the original recording and mixing choices. It's obvious that the original tapes will only allow for so much improvement, and the drums specifically never be as forward as I wish they would be. That said, this particular version is almost certainly as good as it will ever get - and it is *good*, indeed. On tracks like "Naima", with the gentle trailing on Trane's saxophone, you can hear his breath running through the horn. You can hear texture of vibrating wood in Paul Chamber's bass, and while the drums are still not as crisp as I'd like, you can actually hear the attack on them now. Simply stated, I don't ever need another version of this record. It's fantastic to hear one of my favorite albums with fresh ears.

Incredible depth, quiet vinyl, wide imaging, crystal clear separation posted on 06/08/2024 5 Stars Reviewer: Austin Consensus seems to be that these sessions were poorly recorded. To my simple ears and setup, I will say that this is not only one of the absolute best sounding jazz records in my collection, it’s also one of the best sounding records in my entire collection. Incredible depth, quiet vinyl, wide imaging, crystal clear separation. Truly exquisite, Chad. Complimenti!

A Giant Step in mastering posted on 04/09/2024 5 Stars Reviewer: Preston If all the Atlantic 75 records sound this good. Buy them all. The separation of instruments on this record is mind blowing. The Sax definitely can get a bit loud sometimes, but I truly feel that is just Coltane’s furious attack with the instrument. It’s extremely quiet with little to no surface noise. Someone invent a turntable to flip my 45 rpm’s for me, cause let’s be honest, especially with longer jazz numbers, it makes one hell of a difference.

Outstanding! posted on 03/15/2024 5 Stars Man this album has never sounded so good, completely renewed my love for it! I highly recommend.

When you have to have the definitive version.... posted on 03/11/2024 5 Stars Reviewer: William Taylor Just received my double 45 today, and am very pleased. Some albums justify the expense, and for me, this is one of them. Trane is powerful and clear and Paul Chambers' bass is warm and strong--just what I was looking for. Surface noise is limited. Another winner from Acoustic Sounds.

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