BALLADS (1962) finds John Coltrane’s classic quartet (which includes bassist Jimmy Garrison, pianist McCoy Tyner, and drummer Elvin Jones) gathering force as a unit and turning their skills to a softer, warmer sound than is usually be found on the team’s recordings from the time. Some critics accused Coltrane of capitulating to commercial pressures with this release, but that reaction overlooks the gorgeous performances on “You Don’t Know What Love Is,” “I Wish I Knew,” and others. A beautiful album, and a great entry point for those who might otherwise find Coltrane’s ’60s work too abrasive.

Tracklist:

1. Say It (Over and Over Again)
2. You Don’t Know What Love Is
3. Too Young to Go Steady
4. All or Nothing at All
5. I Wish I Knew
6. What’s New
7. It’s Easy to Remember
8. Nancy (With the Laughing Face)
9. They Say It’s Wonderful
10. All Or Nothing At All
11. Greensleeves
12. Greensleeves
13. Greensleeves
14. Greensleeves
15. Greensleeves
16. It’s Easy to Remember
17. It’s Easy to Remember
18. It’s Easy to Remember
19. It’s Easy to Remember
20. It’s Easy to Remember
21. It’s Easy to Remember
22. It’s Easy to Remember

UPC > 011105015615

Format > New Vinyl

Label > Grp Records

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