LP - Yellow Vinyl
Released in July 1963, "Impressions" is a compilation of recordings from various sessions between 1961 and 1963 of John Coltrane.
John Coltrane's album Impressions showcases the range of his musical interests, from modal jazz and hard bop to ballads, reflecting his evolving style during the early 1960s. The album received positive reviews for its adventurous spirit and technical brilliance. Critics and fans alike praise the album for capturing a pivotal moment in Coltrane's career as he moved towards more experimental and spiritual jazz.
The early 1960s were a period of significant evolution for Coltrane. Having recently left Miles Davis's sextet, Coltrane was delving deeper into modal jazz, a style that focuses on scales (or modes) rather than traditional chord progressions. This period saw Coltrane pushing the boundaries of jazz with extended solos, complex improvisations, and a deeper spiritual search, which would later culminate in his iconic album A Love Supreme.
Coltrane was heavily influenced by Indian music, particularly the work of sitar virtuoso Ravi Shankar. This influence is evident in India, which uses a drone-like bass line and a modal structure reminiscent of Indian ragas. Coltrane's exploration of non-Western music traditions added a new dimension to his work, enhancing the album's innovative quality. Impressions is a landmark album that captures John Coltrane at a critical point in his artistic development.
Tracklist:
1. India
2. Up 'Gainst the Wall
3. Impressions
4. After The Rain