Heavyweight Champion (1995) Saxist John Coltrane's most innovative and spiritual work was still to come when he made these 1959-61 recordings. But Heavyweight Champion is a languidly paced… John Coltrane Jazz
EW's GRADE
B+

Details Release Date: Aug 15, 1995; Lead Performance: John Coltrane; Genre: Jazz

Saxist John Coltrane's most innovative and spiritual work was still to come when he made these 1959-61 recordings. But Heavyweight Champion is a languidly paced — at times hypnotic — seven-CD set. It includes his first versions of such classics as ''Giant Steps'' and ''My Favorite Things.'' If you're not a hardcore fan, you'll likely find the alternate takes repetitive. B+

Originally posted Aug 18, 1995 Published in issue #288 Aug 18, 1995 Order article reprints