Jazz / Vocal Jazz; Traditional Pop; Standards; Hard Bop; Ballads; Torch Songs
Recorded: March 7, 1963, Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey
John Coltrane - Tenor Saxophone
Johnny Hartman - Vocal
McCoy Tyner - Piano
Jimmy Garrison - Bass
Elvin Jones - Drums
The perfect blend of passionate tenor saxophone and sensual baritone vocals, John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman is one of the most romantic albums ever recorded. Both legends in their own right - John Coltrane as one of the most ingenious and inventive tenor saxophonists and Johnny Hartman the ultimate balladeer - their synergy on this 1963 recording resulted in a masterpiece that far surpassed the popularity of any of their individual recordings.
* A.B. Spellman - Liner Notes
* Bill Levenson - Reissue Supervisor
* Bob Thiele - Process Engineering, Producer
* Cameron Mizell - Production Coordination
* Erick Labson - Digital Remastering
* Flynn - Cover Design
* Freddie Paloma - Graphic Design
* Hollis King - Art Direction
* Isabelle Wong - Package Design
* Joe Alper - Cover Photo, Photography
* Joe Lebow - Design, Liner Design, Liner Notes
* Kevin Reeves - Mastering
* Michael Cuscuna - Liner Notes, Reissue Producer
* Robert Flynn - Cover Design, Design
* Rudy Van Gelder - Engineer
* Viceroy - Cover Design
John Coltrane's matchup with singer Johnny Hartman, although quite unexpected, works extremely well. Hartman, who had not recorded since 1956, was in prime form on the six ballads, and his versions of "Lush Life" and "My One and Only Love" have never been topped. Coltrane's playing throughout the session is beautiful, sympathetic, and still exploratory; he sticks exclusively to tenor on the date. At only half an hour, one wishes there were twice as much music, but what is here is classic, essential for all jazz collections.
---Scott Yanow, All Music Guide |
