After numerous starts and stops in my attempts to fully comprehend and appreciate John Coltrane, I think I made an important discovery: the quality of his supporting band help one discover Coltrane’s importance and legacy to the jazz scene.
Traneing In, Coltrane’s third studio effort (and second for Prestige) – formerly titled John Coltrane With The Red Garland Trio – is the first real time that the lightbulb went on for me regarding Coltrane. And the genius in that concept lies in allowing other members of the group to take the lead at various times.
The opening track, “Traneing In,” wisely allows Garland to take the lead, giving his group – bassist Paul Chambers and drummer Art Taylor – the opportunity to lay down a solid groove behind Garland’s piano work before Coltrane enters the picture. In a sense, it’s almost like painting a background and allowing it to dry before adding the items in the forefront. Coltrane’s saxophone work perfectly aligns with the rest of the group – and, for the first time in all my years checking out Coltrane’s work, I saw what others have long championed.
Similarly, the disc’s closing number “Soft Lights And Sweet Music,” gives all four musicians the perfect opportunity to cut loose on their respective instruments, and Coltrane takes full advantage of the situation, laying down some absolutely sick tenor saxophone riffs.
It’s when Coltrane seems to be the main focus of attention that the disc weakens a little – though the performances themselves are still enjoyable. “You Leave Me Breathless” sounds as if Coltrane is using the saxophone to fill in vocal lines, and one finds themselves waiting for him to completely cut loose with a blistering solo.
The biggest question about Traneing In is whether Coltrane or Garland is the actual leader. After all, it is Garland’s band that backs Coltrane, and each musician gets a chance to showcase their talents. But Coltrane, for the most part, seems to be the most comfortable in this particular role, and might add credence to the argument that the backing band could be the biggest wild card factor regarding Coltrane’s performances. (I do admit there are many, many other albums of his I have yet to listen to.)
Traneing In is, aside from the classic release A Love Supreme, the first disc I’ve heard from Coltrane that supports the concept of him being one of the true greats in the world of jazz. Coltrane would attempt to put lightning in a bottle one more time with his final album for Prestige while under contract, Soultrane… but that’s another review for another day. For now, this is a very satisfying release.