John Coltrane
Both Directions At Once: The Lost Album(Deluxe Edition)

Recorded on 6^th March 1963 from tapes seemingly lost, ‘Both Directions At Once’ sees John Coltrane, arguably one of the greatest jazz musicians ever at his most mercurial.  A lost album by such a genius is a musical holy grail!  It features the saxophonist’s great quartet – McCoy Tyner, Elvin ones and Jimmy Garrison.  The album finds Coltrane looking both forward and back artistically hence its title.  There are modal tracks that would fit seamlessly into any of his early Impulse! albums, yet there are indications of the more explorative side that were emerge post ‘Love Supreme’.  The two untitled tracks illustrate his modal side, where as ‘Impressions’ (what a tune) is somewhat in the middle and ‘Nature Boy’ to the left-field. ‘One Up One Down’ is amongst Coltrane’s greatest modal performances.  Essential for lovers of Coltrane’s music. The deluxe edition comprises alternate takes and will be of interest primarily to Coltrane fanatics (such as this writer).  The takes do not sound markedly different from those that made the final (?) album.  Apart from take 4 of ‘Impressions’ upon which pianist McCoy Tyner sits out.  There are 3 alternate takes of ‘Impressions’ in total, 2 of ‘Untitled original 11386’, where take 5 is slightly freer, and one each of ‘Vilia’ and ‘One Up One Down’.