The fire under the playing of saxophonist
John Coltrane was ever-highlighted by Elvin Jones. This drummer from Pontiac, Michigan is among the most influential musicians of modern jazz. Not only did he drive and swing mercilessly, but unlike many of his peers, he played loud and roaring. Jones (1927-2004) was part of the famed John Coltrane Quartet from 1960 and left in 1966 when the saxophonist
… turned more to abstract free jazz. Prior to his contract with Blue Note, Jones performed a series of concerts during the summer of 1967 at New York jazz club Pookie's Pub. With on tenor Joe Farrell, Jones picks up more or less where Coltrane left off after A Love Supreme (1964), with sprawling modal improvisations and free arrangements of standards. Fortunately, Pharell shows plenty of character of his own in the process. The more than two-hour concert would have been more digestible on album had it been reduced to its highlights. An eight-minute drum solo is too much of a good thing on record, even from Jones. Painful is the moderate applause, from what sounds like a virtually empty hall. Jones doesn't seem bothered by it and energetically drives the band with his recognizable ferocious playing. (MR)more
