John Coltrane – Live At The Village Vanguard (Purple & Red Mixed Vinyl)

This original three-track set questioned all sorts of norms, the standout item “Chasin’ The Trane” lasting 16 minutes with the tenor man the only soloist and a 12-bar grid the only thing for performers and fans to hold on to. “Spiritual”‘ was the first time Trane opened and closed a piece entirely out-of-tempo, while the conventional “Softly As In A Morning Sunrise” began with over three minutes of just the rhythm trio before his soprano solo. Bonus track on this LP “Blue Train” recorded in Sweden. Not merely the first live John Coltrane to be issued, but a turning-point for him and essential listening for us. This version is limited on Solid Purple & Solid Red mixed vinyl.