John Coltrane’s “Lush Life”, originally released in 1961 by Prestige Records, is a remarkable snapshot of a transitional moment in the saxophonist’s career. Released over a year after Coltrane had signed to Impulse! Records and compiled from previously unreleased sessions recorded at Van Gelder Studio in Hackensack, New Jersey in 1957 and 1958, the album showcases Coltrane in both small group and trio settings, offering a rich blend of standards and modal exploration that foreshadows the revolutionary heights he would soon reach.
In the absence of a pianist during the initial recording session on August 16, 1957, a pared-down trio featuring Coltrane on tenor saxophone, Earl May on bass, and Art Taylor on drums cultivates a notably spacious and contemplative environment across the three tracks that comprise Side A. The reduced instrumentation creates an open framework in which Coltrane’s phrasing is given room to breathe, and the trio’s interplay is marked by restraint and subtlety. On selections such as the tender “Like Someone in Love” each note is allowed to fully resonate, resulting in performances that exude a quiet intimacy and introspective depth.
The title track and emotional centre of the album “Lush Life” receives a definitive 14-minute treatment with Donald Byrd (trumpet), Red Garland (piano), Paul Chambers (bass) and Louis Hayes (drums). The quintet’s take on this Billy Strayhorn standard is a slow-burning ballad that allows Coltrane to stretch out melodically and emotionally. It is among one of Coltrane’s most romantic and lyrical performances, demonstrating his gift for phrasing and storytelling.
Throughout the album, Coltrane plays with a sense of ease and purpose, reshaping familiar tunes through his signature harmonic inventiveness. His sound carries a distinct clarity offering a compelling glimpse into Coltrane’s evolving artistry, revealing not just his technical brilliance, but also his deep melodic sensitivity and introspective voice. It’s a portrait of a musician already reaching beyond the boundaries of tradition, guided by both emotion and vision.
Cut directly from the original dedicated mono analog master tapes, through our unique all valve 1965 Ortofon / Lyrec vinyl cutting system in True Mono*. No equalisation, compression or any other processing was added during the cutting process.
All sleeve artwork made by hand and authentically letter-pressed on a 1963 Heidelberg SB.
This edition of 345 copies is priced at £395.00 UK pounds. Order here.
*Where everything in the chain from the tape head, the tape pre-amplifier, the cutting amplifier and the dedicated mono cutter head is a single channel pathway: This early technology avoids phase issues (smearing of the sound) that is frequently encountered when cutting with todays “dual” or “pseudo” mono cutting systems.
Original master tapes (front).
Original master tapes (rear).
ERC front sleeve proof and original sleeve.
