Lou's Cool Reviews: Settin' The Pace - John Coltrane (1961)



Settin' The Pace is exactly what the title promises. This album, drawn from a single 1958 session, captures John Coltrane just before he went stratospheric with the harmonic complexity of Giant Steps and the spiritual depth of A Love Supreme.
This is a four-track showcase of 'Trane's relentless energy, backed by one of the finest rhythm sections in jazz: Red Garland (piano), Paul Chambers (bass), and Art Taylor (drums). This trio brings a deep, soulful groove that anchors Coltrane's soaring flights.
What's Cool About It:
 * The Sound of Transition: You can hear Coltrane pushing the boundaries of hard bop. The "sheets of sound" technique is clearly audible, where he unleashes torrents of incredibly fast notes, stacking harmonies on top of each other. He's a man with too many ideas for one chorus, and he's not holding back.
 * The Tracks: The genius here is taking familiar popular songs and turning them inside out. The opening track, "I See Your Face Before Me," starts gorgeous and smooth, then quickly becomes a vehicle for Coltrane's endless improvisation. The center-piece, "Little Melonae" (a Jackie McLean tune), is a long, 14-minute groove that lets everyone stretch out.
 * Best for: Fans who want to hear Coltrane in a relatively "easygoing context," but still at the peak of his power. It's the sound of a genius leaving the mainstream behind, but still acknowledging where he came from.
Verdict: A foundational album for any serious jazz head. Before he took his Giant Steps, 'Trane was already Settin' the Pace.

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