John Coltrane & Johnny Hartman (Dig)

When approached to do an "album" with a singer Cotrane's first, and I suspect only response, was Johnny Hartman. Hartman was close to being a complete unknown in a field where he so obviously excelled and Coltrane, while recording two albums of ballads previous to this record, "Ballads" and "Duke Ellington and John Coltrane" was still attempting to facillitate a style that reached the outer boundaries of the restrictive nature of popular song. That being the case they entered the studio and preceded to record a classic...in every sense of the word.

Now,unlike other reviewer's comments about Coltrane being subjected to the role of "sideman" to Johnny Hartman's vocals this, I feel, simply misses the point of what this cd is about. Coltrane's tenor, I feel, is actually the "second voice" on this fine disc. The interaction between voice and musical instrument will always be debated as how to best draw a "focal point" where each can draw inspiration from the other and I feel that this is as close as I've ever heard to having those two seperate entities actually realizing that one precise point where vocals and intrumentation blend together in perfect unison . A perfect blending of two "instruments". Obviously a listener's attention will always turn toward the vocal aspect of any piece of music due to it's simply being recorded at the front end of any song. And being Johnny Hartman how could you not pay close attention! But, if you truly listen to when Coltrane enters each song, a prime example being " Lush Life", than you may have an idea as to what I am saying. Coltrane's saxophone isn't so much accompanying Hartman as much as "singing" with him. I suspect this is the closest thing we may have to an actual "duet" regarding voice and musical accompiantment. While it's true that Coltrane did go back into the studio at a later date to overdub some phrases for "My One And Only Love', "Lush Life" and "You Are Too Beautiful" basicallly what you have here is recorded "live". Which only enhances the sheer "magic" of this disc!

And speaking of accompiantment isn't it time to give credit to McCoy Tyner, Jimmy Garrison and Elvin Jones. Without these fine musicians I suspec this cd would surely lose some of it's lustre! A truly first rate quartet that is second only to Mile's work on "Kinda Blue".

So, in the end, purchase your own copy of "Coltrane/Hartman" and hear what all the fuss is about. Whether you agree with my observations or not this cd is simply too good to pass up. Simple, beautiful and terribly romantic! Actually, forget all this superficial analyzing and enjoy the disc for what it is....Simply Wonderful!


So good you could just cry   February 19, 2003
S. Hawkins (New York, NY)
33 out of 34 found this review helpful

It is truly difficult to write a review for this album without using superlatives (or expletives, for that matter). You are combining the great John Coltrane Quartet with a man whose voice was seemingly made to play duets with Coltrane. Johnny Hartman's smoky, dark baritone voice perfectly complements Coltrane's sound.

To add to this, McCoy Tyner provides a beautiful, airy piano accompaniment without being even remotely saccharine or cliched. Garrison and Jones are holding back quite a bit on this record, which seems to be the right move in this case.

Every track on this album is brilliant. However, "My One and Only Love" stands out above all of them. Coltrane's playing of the head is perfectly nuanced and delicate - he is considered a brilliant ballad player for a REASON. And when Hartman comes in with the vocals, my hair just stands on it.

This is an album of a level of beauty that smooth jazz wishes it could attain, but cannot possibly hope to reach. It is essential for anybody who loves music.


A unmitigated masterpiece   November 27, 1998
23 out of 23 found this review helpful

Simply put this has to be one of my favorite Cd's. Mere words can't express how well the combination of the John Coltrane Quartet sound and Johnny Hartman sounds. From 'They say it's wonderful' to 'Autumn serenade' all of the tracks are excellent to say the least. Johnny Hartman has one of the smoothest barritone singing voices I've ever heard. Listining to his voice on 'Lush life'(especially) gives me the chills. (I'd argue that their cover of that song is the best ever). This paired up with the already legendary sound of the John coltrane quartet makes this album not a must have but an essential for any coltrane fan. If you are even thinkg about buying this CD you've given it too much thought, BUY IT NOW! You wont regret it.


Lush & Romantic Music   December 7, 2000
Thomas Magnum (NJ, USA)
20 out of 22 found this review helpful

John Coltrane is one of the most inventive and innovative jazz musicians of all time, but he very well may be at his best with his work on these six simple ballads. By employing Johnny Hartman as the vocalist, Mr. Coltrane's tenor sax perfectly meshes with Mr. Hartman's deep, rich baritone voice. Mr. Hartman's voice is so sweet and mellow it practically drips out of your speakers. The songs are all arranged in a simple and understated manor and that adds to their elegance. Mr. Coltrane plays in smooth yet forceful tones that turn simple riffs into majestic sounds. McCoy Tyner provides the backbone of the album with his piano playing. He fills the holes with pretty tinkling of the ivories. The band is at their peak on the opening track "They Say It's Wonderful" that opens with a 2 minute solo by Mr. Coltrane and then drops Mr. Hartman's silky dulcitones on you. It doesn't get any more romantic than right here.


The best jazz album of all time   April 26, 2000
49 out of 59 found this review helpful

The best of jazz musicians usually have one album that they are known for. With Miles Davis, it is "Kind of Blue". With Stan Getz, it is "Getz and Gilberto". While John Coltrane is probably better known for "A Love Supreme", I feel "John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman" is much superior. John Coltrane was easily one of the most influential jazz musicians of his time. While technically, he was not as good as Charlie Parker on the sax, he played with much better arangements. This CD is made up of six ballads in which Coltrane's tenor accompanies the voice of singer, Johnny Hartman. The two of them go together perfectly and record some of the greatest music ever recorded. All the songs fit just right on this album and there is not a single flaw to be heard on this album. For the begining jazz listener, I would recomend this album along with the other two I mentioned above. I never came across anyone who did not enjoy this CD and it is easy to hear why. Words cannot due this album justice. It has to be heard to be believed. It's worth every cent.