My Favorite Things - Classic Album Discussion

[johnniegold]

Let's kick off the weekend with an undisputed classic. John Coltrane's classic from 1961, "My Favorite Things". Quoting the Rolling Stone Album Guide: "My Favorite Things brought him [Coltrane] a mass audience as well as critical acclaim."

This album, like Kind of Blue by Miles Davis which was recorded 2 years earlier, made jazz more accessible to the masses. Although Coltrane would go on to record albums that are arguably better than My Favorite Things, this one still remains one of his most tuneful and accessible recordings.

Try not tapping your toes or whistling along with this one. You can't. If you have it, dust it off and play it. If you don't then you should get it.

From 1961, John Coltrane's - My Favorite Things.

Front Cover:

[Straight Arrow]

One of the few Coltrane records I don't have. But I do have a version of MFT on the Village Vanguard set. Great stuff. Who is in the lineup on this one?

[professorchaos]

On the desert island list; if I could have but one Coltrane album, this is it. Okay, it would be a toss up with Blue Train. Certainly it is his most listenable recording. The relaxed atmosphere, reminiscent of the Miles Davis group at its best, and a superb band allow Coltrane to dance and flutter around the melodies. Even as the band pushes the variations of the initial theme further and further, it is never far away. Around a corner, up a flight of stairs and always thrilling how they find their way back home. Effortless Jazz.

[MR.BurmaShave]

4 of the best jazz tracks you'll ever hear!

this is sunday morning in your pajamas with your favorite mug and the NY times.
or
dinner at the best spot in town

it's moments in life you know your having.

[Ookla The Mok]

While it's not my personal favorite Coltrane recording, it is easily his smoothest and easy to listen to albums. Another one to add to the must have jazz album list.

[thirdeye]

I've been loving this album ever since I first heard it many moons ago. I agree with Erick, not one of his best but well worth owning or seeking never the less.

[johnniegold]

This is not exactly the "sheets of sound" Coltrane but MR Burma hit the nail on the head.

[jazzman]

I'm gonna disagree. Not with the folks who are saying that it's great, but with the easy listening point of view. Crank it up, empty your mind, and follow where he's going with that soprano sax. I think it's wild and adventurous.

[Ookla The Mok]

I'm gonna disagree. Not with the folks who are saying that it's great, but with the easy listening point of view. Crank it up, empty your mind, and follow where he's going with that soprano sax. I think it's wild and adventurous.

There's a giant difference between easy listening and music that's easy to listen to. I think he doesn't "attack" the saxophone like he does on other (mostly later) albums. *Interstellar Space for example. He certainly shows his technical prowess and amazing ability of improvisation, but the album doesn't have the silky smooth delivery like my favorite things.

In my opinion, some of Coltrane's albums are a hard listen for someone new to jazz in general. This is a shining example of one of his most widely agreeable albums, but by no means would I lump it into the easy listening category.

[random]

One of my Coltrane favourites, along with "A Love Supreme" and "Olé Coltrane". I also think it is one of his most accesible works. I mean, try "Ascension" if you don't think so.

[pbroddi]

My band used to play MFT regularly. A real classic tune, with so many possibilities!

[mk-ultra]

I love this album. The title song is one of my absolute favorites. In can turn the worst bad mood into a good one.


This one has to battle with Giant Steps, Blue Train, and Coltrane's Sound for my favorite JC album.


Here is my post to Kind fo Blue - Classic Album Discussion where I mention my top Coltrane and Miles Davis albums.


http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showpos...9&postcount=34