What makes Dig It! by John Coltrane notable?

Though not as widely recognized as some of Coltrane's other works, 'Dig It!' has garnered critical appreciation for its adventurous spirit and complex arrangements. The album represents a significant moment in Coltrane's development as an artist and contributes to the broader evolution of jazz during the early 1960s, influencing subsequent musicians in the free jazz movement. Released in January 1962, 'Dig It!' comes during a prolific period for John Coltrane, following his groundbreaking work on 'Giant Steps' in 1960. At this stage, Coltrane was solidifying his influence in the jazz world, transitioning from hard bop to more experimental forms, and this album reflects his growing interest in modal jazz and collective improvisation.

How many songs are on Dig It!?

Dig It! has 4 tracks, running approximately 33 minutes.

Dig It!

John Coltrane · 1962

33 min · 4 tracks · jazz

A vibrant interplay of rhythm and melody that showcases Coltrane's exploratory spirit and innovative improvisation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Billie's Bounce — This track stands out for its lively tempo and intricate solos, showcasing Coltrane's virtuosic saxophone skills while paying homage to Charlie Parker's classic.
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Crazy Rhythm — Coltrane infuses this standard with a fresh energy through inventive phrasing and dynamic interplay with the band, highlighting his innovative approach.
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Lazy Mae — Spanning over sixteen minutes, this extended piece allows Coltrane to explore deep emotional landscapes, exemplifying his free jazz tendencies and spiritual depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album's intricate rhythms and improvisational style reflect Coltrane's exploratory phase in jazz.

What we noticed

Each track showcases extended improvisation, with Coltrane's saxophone often taking unpredictable melodic turns.
The final track 'Lazy Mae' introduces a slower tempo, contrasting with the more frenetic energy of the earlier pieces.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Reflects Coltrane's shift towards avant-garde styles, showcasing bold experimentation.
Themes: avant-garde jazz exploration· collective improvisation dynamics· modal jazz innovation
Career context: Released in January 1962, 'Dig It!' comes during a prolific period for John Coltrane, following his groundbreaking work on 'Giant Steps' in 1960. At this stage, Coltrane was solidifying his influence in the jazz world, transitioning from hard bop to more experimental forms, and this album reflects his growing interest in modal jazz and collective improvisation.
Stylistic neighbors: Pharoah Sanders· Ornette Coleman· Albert Ayler