Although some of the production elements may seem a bit dated to modern viewers, The John Coltrane Legacy (1985) remains a discerning compendium of Coltrane in action from three distinct eras of his career. While all of the performances have since been reissued -- some in comparatively superior audio and visual quality -- the roughly hour-long title is essential thanks to the exclusive interview excerpts from Coltrane's bandmates Reggie Workman (bass), Elvin Jones (drums), and Jimmy Cobb (drums). Even as none of their comments are particularly lengthy, what the participants may lack in extrapolation and detail, they more than compensate for with insight and candor. The music commences with a live (in the studio) spin of Miles Davis' Kind of Blue (1959) era track So What from the Miles Davis Quintet's April 2, 1959, appearance on the CBS-TV network program #The Robert Herridge Theater Show. One of the factors that makes this particular footage practically mandatory is that Coltrane is shown becoming a bandleader himself -- thanks in no small part to the leeway and leverage that Davis allowed him. The next selections capture Coltrane (tenor sax) nearly a year and a half after "graduating" from Davis' ensemble and commanding the formidable Eric Dolphy (alto sax/flute), McCoy Tyner (piano), Reggie Workman (bass), and Elvin Jones (drums) during a West German television appearance on December 4, 1961. Coltrane encapsulates a considerable array of styles and moods. On Cole Porter's Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye he oozes measure upon measure of yearning melancholia with Tyner's shimmering counterpoint particularly worth mentioning. From an unidentified audio interview, Coltrane himself is heard discussing literal dreams that he would have about forming his own band. Those portentous comments then segue into the first of two very different interpretations of Coltrane's own Impressions. Words can not do justice when attempting to describe the passionate interplay between the musicians -- especially Dolphy, Coltrane, and Tyner. Prior to My Favorite Things -- which is also the final entry from the 1961 broadcast -- Elvin Jones discusses the whole band's ability to create a new and fresh masterpiece -- suitable for framing -- each time they did it. Evidence of Jones' recollections is obvious as Dolphy layers on various tonalities and textures that take the familiar melody to unexpected places. Jumping ahead three years, it is astounding the advancements the artist has made. Here viewers are treated to what would become the John Coltrane Quartet's only known North American television appearance. The lineup now includes Coltrane on soprano and tenor sax, McCoy Tyner (piano), Jimmy Garrison (bass), and Elvin Jones (drums). The show, titled #Jazz Casual, was recorded in San Francisco at the KQED public TV studios. It was hosted by Bay Area music critic Ralph J. Gleason on November 1, 1963, and initially broadcast February 18, 1964, on the National Educational Television Network. They charge through striking renditions of Afro Blue and a nearly quarter-hour Impressions. The differences between the 1961 and 1964 readings are too numerous to list, but overall the latter presents a determined maturity in Coltrane's leadership. There is an understated drama inherent within Alabama. Coltrane wrote the tune in memory of the four school children who died in the Birmingham, AL, three-story 16th Street Baptist Church on Sunday, September 15, 1963. The take is suitably somber with Coltrane blowing simple, longing lines to tremendous emotional effect. Because of the educational context of #The John Coltrane Legacy, it is recommended without reservation for parties beginning to explore the world of Coltrane. That said, all dimensions of jazz enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy and revisit. ~ Lindsay Planer, Rovi

1		26 - 2
2		To Her Ladyship
3		Untitled Original
4		Centerpiece
5		Stairway to the Stars
6		Blues Legacy

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