What to say about this gorgeous album, which was recorded on September 26, 1962, and released the following February on Impulse. It features standards such as "In A Sentimental Mood," and my two personal favorites--"Stevie," composed by Ellington, and "My Little Brown Book," by none other than Billy Strayhorn, Ellington's longtime collaborator.
Ellington was 63, and Coltrane, 36, at the time of this collaboration, which was one of many for Ellington. Coltrane said he was honored to work with Ellington, and he plays conventionally here, compared to what would come later. He had already formed his famed quartet and great experimentation was yet to come. Coltrane's only composition on the album is "Big Nick," but his respect for the material is evident and the collaboration with Ellington, smooth and memorable. This is ranked as one of the top 100 jazz albums of all time.
Featured are Coltrane on tenor and soprano saxophones; Jimmy Garrison on bass; and Aaron Bell on bass on cuts 1, 4, 5 and 7; Elvin Jones offers a modern, polyrhythmic style on drums; and Sam Woodyard plays drum on cuts 4, 5, and 7.
Check out Ellington's lyrical piano and Coltrane's bluesy accompaniment in "My Little Brown Book." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_J0ZpJMQjDo
