Is Dakar a good place to start with John Coltrane?

Yes, Dakar is recommended as a starting point for new John Coltrane listeners. A vibrant exploration of modal jazz featuring intricate melodies, rhythmic complexity, and Coltrane's signature improvisational prowess. By the time 'Dakar' was released in November 1963, John Coltrane was firmly established as a leading figure in jazz following his groundbreaking work on 'A Love Supreme' earlier that year. This album emerged during a period of intense creativity and experimentation for Coltrane, as he continued to push the boundaries of jazz with his innovative approach.

Dakar works well if you're into steady mid-tempo rhythmic flow, immersive listening experience in order and vibrant melodies with intricate layers.

How many songs are on Dakar?

Dakar has 6 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

Dakar

John Coltrane · 1963

39 min · 6 tracks · jazz

A vibrant exploration of modal jazz featuring intricate melodies, rhythmic complexity, and Coltrane's signature improvisational prowess.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Dakar Start here — The title track serves as a bold introduction to the album's adventurous spirit, featuring an intricate interplay between Coltrane's saxophone and the rhythm section that sets the tone for the entire record.
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Witches' Pit — This track illustrates Coltrane's explorative nature with its complex rhythms and haunting melodies, creating a rich tapestry of sound that captures listeners' attention.
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Cat Walk — With its lively tempo and engaging improvisations, 'Cat Walk' exemplifies Coltrane's ability to merge melodic exploration with rhythmic innovation, making it a standout piece on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

Coltrane's exploration of modal melodies and rhythms creates a cohesive yet distinct work within his catalog.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of modal scales across all six tracks, creating a unified sound that reflects African musical influences.
Each track showcases intricate interplay between the instruments, with Coltrane's saxophone often leading while other instruments provide rhythmic and harmonic support.
The final track, 'Cat Walk', introduces a more upbeat tempo compared to the preceding pieces, providing a contrasting close to the album.

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

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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 mid-tempo rhythmic flow
immersive listening experience in order
vibrant melodies with intricate layers
reflective moments of musical exploration

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced, upbeat tracks
seek standalone catchy singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — Showcases Coltrane's evolving style but lacks broad recognition compared to major releases.
Themes: African musical traditions· improvisational exploration· rhythmic complexity
Career context: By the time 'Dakar' was released in November 1963, John Coltrane was firmly established as a leading figure in jazz following his groundbreaking work on 'A Love Supreme' earlier that year. This album emerged during a period of intense creativity and experimentation for Coltrane, as he continued to push the boundaries of jazz with his innovative approach.
Stylistic neighbors: Pharoah Sanders· Ornette Coleman· Albert Ayler