The Armpit Collection XXX: The Masterpiece

KIND OF BLUE - MILES DAVIS

The Armpit Collection XVI: The Mecca of Hip

Coltrane: The Complete 1961 Village Vanguard Recordings

This is middle ground for Coltrane. A man that went from familiar elegance (John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman) to intellectualized primal expression (Ascension) to deep emotional introspection ("Alabama"), a stint at the Village Vanguard in 1961 seems to bridge these ideas and periods in his music.

These performances are thematic and chaotic, let 'em draw you in. The first time I heard the opening theme to "Spiritual" and it's following hypnotic, yet restless rhythm section, I was mesmerized, astounded. Coltrane absolutely blisters through most of his performances (see "Chasin' the Trane").