01	Blue Train						10:41
	02	Moment's Notice						09:09
	03	Locomotion						07:13
	04	I'm Old Fashioned						07:57
	05	Lazy Bird						07:05
	06	Blue Train (Alternate Take)						09:56
	07	Lazy Bird (Alternate Take)						07:15

Original album released in 1957
Enhanced CD for PC/Mac
Musicians:
John Coltrane - Tenor Sax
Lee Morgan - Trumpet
Curtis Fuller - Trombone
Kenny Drew - Piano
Paul Chambers - Bass
Philly Joe Jones - Drums


Blue Train
Date of Release Sep 15, 1957
Styles Hard Bop

Although never formally signed, an oral agreement between John Coltrane and Blue Note Records founder Alfred Lion was indeed honored on Blue Train - Coltrane's only collection of sides as a principal artist for the venerable label. The disc is packed solid with sonic evidence of Coltrane's innate leadership abilities. He not only addresses the tunes at hand, but also simultaneously reinvents himself as a multifaceted interpreter of both hard bop as well as sensitive balladry - touching upon all forms in between. The personnel on Blue Train is arguably as impressive as what they're playing. Joining Coltrane (tenor sax) are Lee Morgan (trumpet), Curtis Fuller (trombone), Kenny Drew (piano), Paul Chambers (bass), and Philly Joe Jones (drums). The triple horn arrangements incorporate an additional sonic density that remains a trademark unique to both this band and album. Of particular note is Fuller's even-toned trombone, which bops throughout the title track as well as the frenetic "Moments Notice." Other solos include Paul Chambers' subtly understated riffs on "Blue Train" as well as the high energy and impact from contributions by Lee Morgan and Kenny Drew during "Locomotion." The track likewise features some brief but vital contributions from Philly Joe Jones - whose efforts throughout the record stand among his personal best. Of the five sides that comprise the original Blue Train, the Jerome Kern/Johnny Mercer ballad "I'm Old Fashioned" is the only cover tune in the stack. In terms of unadulterated sentiment, this version is arguably untouchable. Fuller's rich tones and Drew's tastefully executed solos cleanly wrap around Jones' steadily languid rhythms. This is sheer jazz nirvana. In the spring of 1997, the Ultimate Blue Train CD was released, boasting 20-bit remastered audio as well as one alternate take of both "Blue Train" and "Lazy Bird." Additionally, the disc includes "At Least Listen" - an interactive CD-ROM program featuring video clips and interview clips with Fuller circa 1995, as well as many brilliant photographs taken during the recording sessions. Without reservation, Blue Train can easily be considered in and among the most important and influential entries not only of John Coltrane's career, but of the entire genre of jazz music as well. - Lindsay Planer

1. Blue Train (Coltrane) - 10:41
2. Moment's Notice (Coltrane) - 9:09
3. Locomotion (Coltrane) - 7:13
4. I'm Old Fashioned (Kern/Mercer) - 7:57
5. Lazy Bird (Coltrane) - 7:05

Kenny Drew - Piano
Curtis Fuller - Trombone
Jo Jones - Drums
Philly Joe Jones - Drums
Lee Morgan - Trumpet
Paul Chambers - Bass
John Coltrane - Sax (Tenor)
Michael Cuscuna - Liner Notes, Reissue Producer
Rudy Van Gelder - Engineer
Robert Levin - Liner Notes
Alfred Lion - Producer
Ron McMaster - Mastering
Francis Wolff - Photography
Liz Heller - Executive Producer
Patrick Roques - Design
Reid Miles - Design
Philip Coady - Producer
Evelyn Esaki - Design
Leo Rossi - Technical Supervisor

2000 LP Classic Compact Disc 1577
1999 Classic Compact Disc 1028
1998 CD Import 58706
1997 LP Blue Note 46095
1993 Blue Note 46095
1991 CD Mobile Fidelity 547
1990 CS Blue Note 46095
1987 CS Blue Note B4-81577
1987 LP Blue Note B1-81577
1987 CD Blue Note B2-46095
CD Blue Note 46095
CD Mobile Fidelity UDCD-547
CD Blue Note CDP 7460952



Blue Train

AMG REVIEW: The title track to Blue Train exemplifies the essence of John Coltrane's multifarious styles and uncanny musicality. The composition is structured around a deep brooding and reoccurring blues theme. Contrasting Coltrane's sonic flurry are Lee Morgan (trumpet), Curtis Fuller (trombone), Kenny Drew (piano), Paul Chambers (bass) and Philly Joe Jones (drums). Without question, this is one of the most subtly powerful rhythm sections to have ever joined forces with him. They provide a solid, yet understated and seemingly effortless support. They additionally contribute fluid, complex and intricate interactions which equalizes each musician's distinct style on this quintessential and definitive driving bop masterpiece.
After briefly establishing the theme, Coltrane virtually dives into the solo, horn first. His inimitable sheets of sound approach coalesces with a truly soulful intonation creating line upon line of highly stylised, yet ultimately melodic phrases - often referencing the theme with odd and angular passages. As 'Trane spirals high above the restrained emphasis of the backing combo, Morgan is handed the reigns in a seemingly telepathic exchange and progresses the melody alternating between some menacingly aggressive interjections and swinging tuneful riffs. Notable also are the nimble and almost transcendental rushes of inspiration that occur when the band breaks into double-time. Likewise, Fuller balances between more emphatic musical statements to some almost giddy and fortuitous contributions. Returning to "Blue Train's blues motif, Drew (piano) develops an earthy delta inflection - seemingly bending the phrases -yet the feel remains faithful in its' nimble bop context. Likewise, the keyboardist's runs during the double-time break recall 'Trane's earlier frenetic reed work. - Lindsay Planer