John Coltrane — Giant Steps
One of the defining albums of modern jazz, Giant Steps captures saxophonist John Coltrane at a creative turning point. His dazzling improvisations, adventurous harmonic progressions and expressive ballads helped shape the future of jazz. From the exhilarating title track and rapid-fire “Countdown” to the tender “Naima,” this Atlantic Records album remains a landmark of hard bop and post-bop.
Artist: John Coltrane
Original album year: 1960
Recorded: 1959
Label: Atlantic Records
Genre: Jazz / Hard Bop / Post-Bop
Format: Audio CD
UPC: 075678133725
Condition: Used CD; disc and case may show normal handling and shelf wear.
Original Album Tracks
- Giant Steps
- Cousin Mary
- Countdown
- Spiral
- Syeeda's Song Flute
- Naima
- Mr. P.C.
Musicians: John Coltrane (tenor saxophone), Tommy Flanagan and Wynton Kelly (piano on different sessions), Paul Chambers (bass), and Art Taylor and Jimmy Cobb (drums on different sessions).
Five Jazz History Facts
- This was Coltrane's first album released as leader on Atlantic Records.
- It was recorded in 1959 and originally released in 1960.
- The title track is famous for its challenging harmonic progression, known as “Coltrane changes.”
- “Naima” was named after Coltrane's then-wife.
- “Mr. P.C.” honors bassist Paul Chambers.
Edition note: The seven titles above are the original album program; additional bonus tracks, if any, have not been verified for this particular CD pressing.