Is New Thing at Newport a good place to start with John Coltrane?

Yes, New Thing at Newport is recommended as a starting point for new John Coltrane listeners. A vibrant tapestry of improvisation that intertwines complex rhythms with soulful melodies, showcasing Coltrane's relentless exploration of jazz boundaries. By the time 'New Thing at Newport' was released in February 1966, John Coltrane was already a pivotal figure in the jazz world, following his acclaimed album 'A Love Supreme' from 1965. This album captures Coltrane during a period of intense creativity and experimentation, as he pushed the limits of free jazz and modal forms, solidifying his status as an innovator.

Who is New Thing at Newport for?

New Thing at Newport works well if you're into long, immersive listening sessions, dynamic emotional journeys and layered, dense sonic textures.

How many songs are on New Thing at Newport?

New Thing at Newport has 7 tracks, running approximately 61 minutes.

Released 60 years ago

New Thing at Newport

John Coltrane · 1966

61 min · 7 tracks · jazz

A vibrant tapestry of improvisation that intertwines complex rhythms with soulful melodies, showcasing Coltrane's relentless exploration of jazz boundaries.

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Top tracks — play these first

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My Favorite Things — Coltrane's interpretation transforms this familiar tune into an expansive exploration of modal jazz, featuring hypnotic repetition and spiritual depth that captivated audiences.
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One Down, One Up Start here — This track showcases Coltrane's intricate interplay with his bandmates, creating a complex dialogue that highlights his innovative approach to rhythm and structure.
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Rufus (Swung His Face at Last to the Wind Then His Neck Snapped) — The piece is an embodiment of Coltrane's ability to fuse emotional intensity with avant-garde elements, pushing improvisational boundaries that resonate deeply.

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's bold improvisation and unique structures make it a standout in avant-garde jazz.

What we noticed

The album features extended improvisational sections, with several tracks exceeding ten minutes, allowing for deep exploration of themes.
The use of unconventional song structures is prevalent, with some tracks lacking a traditional melody or form, emphasizing collective improvisation.

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

long, immersive listening sessions
dynamic emotional journeys
layered, dense sonic textures
gradual builds and payoffs

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Represents a departure into avant-garde jazz, reflecting social change themes.
Themes: avant-garde rebellion· social justice narratives· Newport jazz festival spirit
Career context: By the time 'New Thing at Newport' was released in February 1966, John Coltrane was already a pivotal figure in the jazz world, following his acclaimed album 'A Love Supreme' from 1965. This album captures Coltrane during a period of intense creativity and experimentation, as he pushed the limits of free jazz and modal forms, solidifying his status as an innovator.
Stylistic neighbors: Pharoah Sanders· Ornette Coleman· Albert Ayler