Track Listing

1. Giant Steps
2. Cousin Mary
3. Countdown
4. Spiral
5. Syeeda's Song Flute
6. Naima
7. Mr PC
8. Giant Steps
9. Naima
10. Cousin Mary
11. Countdown
12. Syeeda's Song Flute
13. Giant Steps
14. Naima
15. Giant Steps

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2331 in Music
• Released on: 2002-09-23
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .14 pounds

CD Description
John Coltrane's maiden voyage for Atlantic Records was the fulfilment of all the potential he'd demonstrated with Miles, Monk and on his own Prestige recordings. Recorded in May 1959 (one month after completing Davis' KIND OF BLUE), GIANT STEPS is Coltrane's first recital to feature nothing but hisown original compositions, and is the culmination of his obsessive foray into harmony. By taking all of the notes in a chord--and trying to find every possible inversion and relevant substitution--the saxophonist was forced to develop a complex new form of melodic phrasing that enabled him to rhythmically crowd every permutation into a single phrase.
Theeffect is not only technically impressive, but an emotionalmarvel as well. On equestrian events such as the up-tempo title tune and "Countdown", Coltrane blazes through the changes with a torrential effusion of ideas, each phrase connected to the next with unerring logic and a sublime sense of symmetry. Every note in the lower, middle and upper register ofhis horn is articulated with power, precision and a varietyof expressive timbres. His manipulation of overtones and multiphonics imparts a hair-raising vocal immediacy to his cry, and each solo culminates in a stirring emotional catharsis. This is bebop to the tenth power.
But the joy of Coltrane's art is not predicated on its intellectual dexterity. The charming stop-time cadences of "Syeeda's Song Flute" depict an upbeat, child-like disposition, inspiring a particularly celebratory Coltrane solo. The vamping figures of "Cousin Mary" and "Mr. P.C". lead to solos permeated with blues fervour. And of course, there's "Naima" (written for John's first wife), one of the saxophonist's tenderest, most enduring themes, with a melody that floats above Tommy Flanagan's serene chordal colours like a solitary cloud at dusk.

Customer Reviews

Breathtaking
'Giant Steps' overturned many of the stereotypes I had about post-war (more specifically 1950's) jazz. From most of the movies I've seen from that era, jazz was wallpaper music, bland background to the cliches on the screen. Imagine how I felt when I first put on 'Giant Steps'. This is definitely not "easy-listening".

The energized melody of the title track bursts from the record in a relentless attack. The imagination of Coltrane's playing can best be heard on 'Cousin Mary' where he begins with swing before taking the melody on a world tour from the blues to the Far East. 'Countdown' sounds initially like uncomprimising free-jazz but there is a strong rhythm behind it that you can even snap your fingers to and there isn't a more delightful moment on the album than it's whistful ending. Coltrane's playing on the second version included here is even more astounding.

Coltrane takes us on another journey back and forth between jazz's past and future with 'Spiral', swaying between a swinging tempo and a halting, Eastern-thinged descent. It's emotional intensity is a staple of this remarkable album. On 'Syeeda's Song Flute' the master gives the other players a chance to shine with Tommy Flanagan's playing unthinkably cool and unrelenting at the same time. The track segues ponderously into 'Naima' where Flanagan again comes to the fore with some of his most personal playing, while the saxophone smoulders.

'Mr. PC' combines all the best of John Coltrane and the backing trio on this album. His heady mixture of old-time jazz, swing and his own intense improvisations conspire to deliver a hothouse performance with the other players driving hard behind him.

'Giant Steps' is an album that any serious music lover should have in their collection, artistic, cerebral and emotional all at the same time.

Awesome - a jazz classic
This is the record that put Coltrane up onto the pedestal from which he cast a shadow over every tenor player of his generation.

It bursts with power and energy, combining Coltrane's frightening technique and the searing, crying intensity of his tenor sound, propelled forwards by a driving rythmn section featuring excellent work from pianist Tommy Flanagan.

It's not all full-speed ahead, though, as "Naima" is a delicate, gentle masterpiece.

For those coming to this record from a more bluesy/soul-jazz angle, you might try "Blue Train" first. Alternatively, if you want to hear that beatiful saxophone sound in all its tender glory, try the "Ballads" album. Coltrane, of course, also appeared on the legendary Miles Davis album "Kind of Blue", which is a must for every jazz record collection.

absolute genius!
A reviewer cannily called this "be-bop x10". I have to add +1 to that statement, there's (unfortunately) only ever been the one John Coltrane-nobody but nobody ever, regardless of instrument or genre has ever showed such complete mastery of their instrument in a "solo" context. Miles (in jazz circles) is ultimately & rightfully known to be the master for manifold reasons but nobody, even bird, coleman hawkins, sonny, diz or the master himself has ever displayed virtuosity quite like "trane".
This album marks the peak of this man's recorded prowess, yes, a love supreme is truly a supreme recording but for me, actually serves as a bookmark that pairs with this record. giant steps marks the beginning of coltrane's absolute peak of perfection & the impulse recording serves as the last truly great statement made by the man.
What an incredible couple of months april & may of 1959 turned out to be in the history of music! "trane" revolutionising, indeed re-inventing what could be done with an instrument as a solo voice with miles on kinda blue as miles turned jazz on it's head & then putting the pedal to the metal & blowing away everybody who thought they could still stun with ultra fast, slick be-bop principles despite miles having just provided an alternative expression, by making this album!
If you consider yourself a virtuoso on your instrument then you must have studied this album, if you're a discerning music listener please don't be put off because the melodies are strong, the grooves are hypnotic, the band are empathetic & inspired & you shouldn't believe the older reviewers who call it difficult listening.
If you appreciate great music & don't possess this album, whatever your taste, open your mind NOW.