John Coltrane – Impressions – Impulse! A-42 (1963)/Verve/Universal Music Enterprises 199957084635 (2026) Acoustic Sounds Series 180-gram stereo vinyl, 36:40 ****1/2:
A classic John Coltrane free jazz exploration receives an exceptional vinyl upgrade.
(John Coltrane – soprano saxophone; tenor saxophone; Jimmy Garrison – double bass; McCoy Tyner – piano; Elvin Jones – drums; Eric Dolphy – bass clarinet, alto saxophone; Reggie Workman – double bass; Roy Haynes – drums)
Verve/Universal Music Enterprises (Acoustic Sounds series) has released a 180-gram re-mastered vinyl of the 1963 Impulse! album, Impressions. This is a combination of studio and live performances recorded between 1961-1963. It represents Coltrane’s evolving transition from modal jazz to avant-garde/free jazz. The lineup includes the classic quartet (McCoy Tyner, Elvin Jones and Jimmy Garrison), and on the live cuts, Eric Dolphy and Reggie Workman. Drummer Roy Haynes is also featured on one track.
Side A opens with “India”, kicked off by a droning groove by Garrison and Jones. Coltrane enters on soprano saxophone with crisp unrestrained notation and Middle-Eastern motifs. Dolphy introduces harmony as the rhythm section is propulsive. Coltrane pushes the tonal boundaries with furious energy. At the 6:26 mark, Dolphy solos on bass clarinet with equal intensity and free improvisation (especially in the lower register). The arrangement is both piercing and hypnotic. In a significant change of pace, “Up ‘Gainst The Wall” is a brisk post-bop blues jam that clocks in at just over three minutes. Coltrane’s muscular tenor provides a grittier texture. Garrison’s rhythmic bass lines and Jones’ crashing drums propel the momentum.
Switching back to classic quartet modal aesthetics, the title track (recorded live at The Village Vanguard) is incendiary with Coltrane (driven by relentless double bass and drums) executing a passionate extended solo on tenor. He is clearly front and center. Tyner’s chording is understated and cohesive. The finale, “After The Rain” is another stylistic alteration. Coltrane and Tyner intermingle in a wistful, eloquent treatment. It is Tyner’s shining moment on the album and demonstrates the artistic flexibility of this quartet.
Impressions is an audacious translation of non-linear jazz structures. This re-mastered vinyl has a strong, meticulous sound mix, sourced from the original analog tapes (Van Gelder Studios). There is excellent detail with attention to drum cymbals and low-end double bass. There is fluidity in the rendering of Dolphy’s bass clarinet, and the overall separation is more palpable. The reissued pressing (Matthew Lutthans/Mastering Lab QRP) is refined with a quiet soundstage on both the studio and live recordings. A hi-gloss gatefold and protected sleeves are superior.
Highly recommended!
—Robbie Gerson
TrackList:
Side A: India; Up ‘Gainst The Wall
Side B: Impressions; After The Rain
