Live At Birdland

Time to Jazz the blog up some. Yes bad puns aside, the next couple of posts will feature some Jazz legends. First up we have the great Sax legend in John Coltrane. Most people who don't really enjoy Jazz will still know the name Coltrane. A legend who basically turn the Jazz world on its ear. Recording several great pieces over the years and playing with other legends like Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk. This is a bit of a different Live album in the sense that it does feature two studio tracks in addition to the four Live cuts.

'Live At Birdland' marks Coltrane's fourth Live record. Recorded Live on March 6, 1963 and October 8, 1963 at the legendary Birdland Jazz Club in New York. Originally just 5 tracks, 3 Live cuts and 2 studio pieces, 'Live At Birdland' got an extra Live cut when issued onto CD. It also includes a false start at the start of the opening cut "Afro Blue". At just under 44 minutes, this Live album captures everything the Coltrane was, a great player with an even greater band. Just listen to the intense opening cut and you'll see what I mean.

For people not that big into Jazz I tend to recommend Coltrane as a starting point for listening. Albums like 'Settin' The Pace', 'Blue Train' and 'My Favorite Things' are three great albums to pick up. Each showing a different period if you will. As all three were released on different labels. Don't be afraid to give Jazz a try, I love the genre and it does take some time to get a like for it, but it's worth it.

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