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Giant Steps
Jazz · 1960 · 7 tracks

Giant Steps

John Coltrane

High-velocity hard bop defined by complex harmonic giant steps and relentless technical precision. A dense, searching masterwork of the tenor saxophone.

January 1960 · DOL

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Giant Steps is the sound of a musician physically and intellectually outgrowing the boundaries of his genre. It is an album of incredible velocity, where John Coltrane introduces his 'sheets of sound' technique, a style of improvisation that feels like a torrential downpour of notes. The music is dense and demanding, yet it possesses a mathematical beauty that rewards repeated, analytical listening. It feels like watching a master architect build a skyscraper in real-time, with every beam and bolt snapping into place with terrifying speed.

Tracklist · 7 Tracks
01
Giant Steps
4:43
02
Cousin Mary
5:45
03
Countdown
2:21
04
Spiral
5:56
05
Syeeda's Song Flute
7:00
06
Naima
4:21
07
Mr. P.C.
6:57
Moments Worth Listening For
The dizzying, rapid-fire saxophone solo on the title track that sounds like a machine reaching its limit.
The sudden shift to the breathy, reverent tenor tone on Naima, providing a stark emotional contrast.
The propulsive, bluesy bass walk that anchors the frantic energy of Mr. P.C.
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