In a striking contemporary reinterpretation of John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman’s iconic 1963 record, Branford Marsalis and Dianne Reeves have crafted an eloquent homage that captures the spirit of the original while offering a fresh perspective.
Originally conceived when Impulse! label head Bob Thiele encouraged his star saxophonist to step away from experimental sounds, the 1963 album paired Coltrane with the warm, restrained baritone of Hartman. The result was a masterpiece of mutual understanding and flawless expressiveness.
Marking Coltrane’s centenary, Marsalis was invited by Blue Note Records to curate a tribute, choosing to present this project as modern reinventions rather than simple covers. Joined by Dianne Reeves, whose singing style reflects the influence of Sarah Vaughan with precise intonation and spontaneity, the duo brings a timeless quality to the repertoire.
Reflecting on her approach, Reeves noted that she studied how great singers positioned themselves within a group. “They saw themselves as co-creators of the sound,” she explained, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the performance.
Finally, a Coltrane tribute that isn’t just noise. This is accessible without being dumbed down.
Are they really calling it reinvention though? It stays pretty close to the original structures.
Dianne Reeves is unmatched. Her phrasing on ‘Lazy Afternoon’ gave me chills.
I loved the original, but this reimagining adds a spicy post-bop edge that feels surprisingly modern. Bravo.