John William Coltrane,also known as "Trane", (September 23, 1926 – July 17, 1967) was an American jazz saxophonist and composer. Working in the bebop and hard bop idioms early in his career, Coltrane helped pioneer the use of modes in jazz and later was at the forefront of free jazz.
An important moment in the progression of Coltrane's musical development occurred on June 5, 1945, when he saw Charlie Parker perform for the first time. In a DownBeat article in 1960 he recalled: "the first time I heard Bird play, it hit me right between the eyes.Parker became an early idol, and they played together on occasion in the late 1940s.
He organized at least fifty recording sessions as a leader during his recording career, and appeared as a sideman on many other albums, notably with trumpeter Miles Davis and pianist Thelonious Monk.
As his career progressed, Coltrane and his music took on an increasingly spiritual dimension. He received many posthumous awards and recognition, including a beatification by the African Orthodox Church as Saint John William Coltrane.
In 2007, Coltrane was awarded the Pulitzer Prize Special Citation for his "masterful improvisation, supreme musicianship and iconic centrality to the history of jazz."
Coltrane influenced innumerable musicians, and remains one of the most significant tenor saxophonists in jazz history.
Blue Train, Coltrane's sole date as leader for Blue Note in 1957, featuring trumpeter Lee Morgan, bassist Paul Chambers, and trombonist Curtis Fuller and Kenny Drew at piano is often considered his best album from this period.
Four of its five tracks are original Coltrane compositions, and the haunting theme of title track, "Moment's Notice," and "Lazy Bird", have become standards.
It is a record that captures the essence of cool and exudes style and grace so effortlessly, the music almost seems to float on air.
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