Is Alternate Takes a good place to start with John Coltrane?

Yes, Alternate Takes is recommended as a starting point for new John Coltrane listeners. Exploratory and intricate, this collection reveals Coltrane's improvisational brilliance through alternate takes of his most celebrated compositions. Released in 1975, Alternate Takes showcases John Coltrane's work during a time when he was posthumously revered as a groundbreaking innovator in jazz. This compilation includes previously unreleased versions of classic tracks, emphasizing his evolving style and deepening complexity as an artist. At this point in his legacy, Coltrane's influence had permeated the jazz world and beyond, marking him as a pivotal figure in music history.

Who is Alternate Takes for?

Alternate Takes works well if you're into steady pacing with gradual resolution, exploratory improvisations for deep listening and thoughtful reflection during quiet moments.

How many songs are on Alternate Takes?

Alternate Takes has 8 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

Alternate Takes

John Coltrane · 1975

40 min · 8 tracks · jazz

Exploratory and intricate, this collection reveals Coltrane's improvisational brilliance through alternate takes of his most celebrated compositions.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Giant Steps (alternate take) Start here — This track exemplifies Coltrane's innovative approach to harmony and rhythm, showcasing the complex chord changes that have become emblematic of his style. The alternate take reveals different nuances in his improvisation, providing fresh interpretations of this iconic piece.
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Naima (alternate take) — Coltrane's tender and lyrical exploration of Naima is highlighted in this alternate version, revealing subtler emotional depths and variations in phrasing. This track underscores the song's haunting beauty while demonstrating Coltrane's masterful command over mood.
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Body and Soul (alternate take) — In this rendition, Coltrane imbues the standard with new life through his imaginative phrasing and harmonic explorations. This take stands out for its emotive intensity and showcases his ability to reinterpret familiar material with profound originality.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

73 /100

Alpine

Higher than 96% of albums we've rated

The album showcases Coltrane's improvisational depth through varied interpretations of his classic pieces.

What we noticed

Each track features extended improvisation, often diverging significantly from the original studio versions.
The album includes alternate takes that reveal different interpretations of Coltrane's melodies and harmonies.
Rhythmic complexity varies across tracks, with some featuring intricate polyrhythms while others maintain a more straightforward swing.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 9/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady pacing with gradual resolution
exploratory improvisations for deep listening
thoughtful reflection during quiet moments
engaging saxophone-led conversations
captivating interplay of rhythms

Maybe skip if you

prefer immediate gratification
seek standalone hit tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — Showcases Coltrane's improvisational process through alternate takes, appealing to dedicated fans.
Themes: posthumous exploration· jazz improvisation legacy· Giant Steps reinterpretation
Career context: Released in 1975, Alternate Takes showcases John Coltrane's work during a time when he was posthumously revered as a groundbreaking innovator in jazz. This compilation includes previously unreleased versions of classic tracks, emphasizing his evolving style and deepening complexity as an artist. At this point in his legacy, Coltrane's influence had permeated the jazz world and beyond, marking him as a pivotal figure in music history.
Stylistic neighbors: Pharoah Sanders· Ornette Coleman· Albert Ayler