Coltrane Plays the Blues

John Coltrane’s legend is most notably built on his innovations in bebop, modal, and avant-garde jazz, but he played his share of blues-based tunes, often mining the music’s primal earthiness for nuggets. This album obviously highlights that side of him, but as only Coltrane can do it. Material ranges from the slow and straight “Blues to Elvin” to the droning “Mr. Knight,” which has a North African feel. Acknowledging his then-newfound love of soprano saxophone, Coltrane also pays respect to the first early soprano saxophone great on “Blues to Bechet.” This might not be the first stop for some new fans, but it's rewarding nonetheless.