The Classic Quartet: The Complete Impulse! Recordings
John Coltrane · 1998
524 min · 66 tracks · post-bop · free jazz · hard bop
A transcendent journey through intricate harmonies and improvisational depths, showcasing Coltrane's relentless creativity.
Why this album works
This box set is significant not only for its comprehensive nature but also for its critical acclaim, garnering attention from both fans and scholars. It highlights Coltrane's influence on the free jazz movement and demonstrates his relentless exploration of sound, making it essential listening for understanding modern jazz.
- Best for
- dynamic exploration with peaks transcendent journey through harmonies wave-like pacing for deep listening
- Context
- Released in 1998, this collection compiles John Coltrane's groundbreaking works from the 1960s, a period marked by his artistic peak. Following the acclaimed 'A Love Supreme' in 1965, Coltrane was exploring spiritual themes and complex modal structures, solidifying his status as a revolutionary figure in jazz.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Ella Fitzgerald· Diana Ross· Bob Dylan· Barbra Streisand· Frank Zappa· Chick Corea· Aretha Franklin· George Benson
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Greensleeves 3:45
- 2 It's Easy to Remember 2:48
- 3 The Inchworm 6:19
- 4 Big Nick 4:08
- 5 Out of This World 14:05
- 6 Soul Eyes 5:26
- 7 Miles' Mode 7:34
- 8 Tunji 6:35
- 9 Nancy (With the Laughing Face) 3:14
- 10 What's New? 3:47
- 11 Up 'Gainst the Wall 3:17
- 12 Too Young to Go Steady 4:24
- 13 All or Nothing at All 3:38
- 14 I Wish I Knew 4:51
Disc 2
- 1 You Don't Know What Love Is 5:14
- 2 Say It (Over and Over Again) 4:18
- 3 Vilia 4:38
- 4 After the Rain 4:14
- 5 Dear Old Stockholm 10:44
- 6 Your Lady 6:41
- 7 Alabama (takes 4 & 5) Standout 5:10
- 8 Lonnie's Lament 11:47
- 9 The Drum Thing 7:24
- 10 Wise One 9:01
Disc 3
- 1 Crescent Standout 8:44
- 2 Bessie's Blues 3:35
- 3 A Love Supreme, Part 1: Acknowledgement Standout 7:47
- 4 A Love Supreme, Part 2: Resolution 7:25
- 5 A Love Supreme, Part 3: Pursuance 10:44
- 6 A Love Supreme, Part 4: Psalm 7:08
- 7 Nature Boy (first version) 7:05
- 8 Nature Boy 8:03
- 9 Feelin' Good 6:24
- 10 Chim Chim Cheree 6:56
Disc 4
- 1 Brasilia 12:57
- 2 Song of Praise 9:51
- 3 After the Crescent 13:40
- 4 Dear Lord 5:37
- 5 One Down, One Up 15:31
- 6 Welcome 5:28
- 7 The Last Blues 4:23
Disc 5
- 1 Untitled Original 90314 14:48
- 2 Transition 15:31
- 3 Suite: Prayer and Meditation: Day / Peace and After / Prayer and Meditation: Evening / Affirmation / Prayer and Meditation: 4AM 21:20
- 4 Living Space 10:24
- 5 Dusk Dawn 10:48
Disc 6
- 1 Vigil 9:52
- 2 Untitled Original 90320 10:48
- 3 Dearly Beloved 6:29
- 4 Attaining 11:28
- 5 Sun Ship 6:15
- 6 Ascent 10:09
- 7 Amen 8:14
Disc 7
- 1 Love 8:03
- 2 Compassion 9:34
- 3 Joy 8:48
- 4 Consequences 7:20
- 5 Serenity 6:14
- 6 Joy (second version) 12:21
Disc 8
- 1 Crescent (first version) 10:08
- 2 Bessie's Blues (first version, incomplete) 3:01
- 3 Song of Praise (first version) 2:44
- 4 A Love Supreme, Part 2: Resolution (alternate take) 7:25
- 5 Feelin' Good (alternate take) 6:20
- 6 Dear Lord (breakdowns & alternate take) 7:45
- 7 Living Space (breakdown & alternate take) 14:02
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.