Coltrane: The Story of a Sound (PICADOR)

Reading all this back-and-forth, the puffs and pans, about this fascinating book, I get the impression that everybody has missed the point. This is indeed the story of a sound---the incredible sound that John Coltrane evolved and what he could do with it---and, as a retired musician who worked in the various areas of music (symphonic, chamber music, opera, ballet, shows and---yes, jazz), I enjoyed it thoroughly. I have in my library this one, "Coltrane on Coltrane", and a third volume---"The John Coltrane Companion", which was sent to me as a gift---and I consider all the necessary gaps filled to my satisfaction. As to the "pans", I'm reminded of a fellow who had been the jazz critic of the New York Times many years ago, a guy with one glaring fault---he had his head in the sand, but he wasn't looking for water. He considered Dixieland the only true jazz, and for him nothing else existed; he would go to this concert and that, and no matter how great the performance or the performers he would put it down unmercifully BECAUSE IT WASN'T DIXIELAND! Anyhoo, with these three great reads to complement my own experiences with jazz---and some of the guys who played it and all who shared it with me---I'm as happy as a clam in the key of B-flat. Thank you.

I've read everything I could get my hands on about John Coltrane, who I consider the most important musician of the latter half of the 20th century. This is easily the best biography I've read, comprehensively addressing the music (I'm betting Ratliff is a trained musician), the jazz climate in the 50s-60s, and the fascinating journey that Coltrane was on. Ratliff's insight on Coltrane in the context of his "peers"--Miles, Monk, Ornette Coleman and Sonny Rollins--is beautifully handled by Mr. Ratliff and is not insight that is easily available elsewhere. If you have any interest in jazz in the 1950s and 60s, or in Coltrane and his music and philosophy, buy this book. I promise you won't be sorry. I've been reading Trane bios since 1975 and this is by far the best.

Essential reading for Coltrane lovers - including recommended songs and albums of biographical importance. Not being a jazz musician kept me from incorporating some of the writer’s insights behind Coltrane’s genius.

as a jazz guy i've read all the great coltrane books but this one by a jazz critic/journalist has more of a spiritual insight thinkinabout trane and has a bit more bite because of a bit of criticism reported about trane from people of the past, not just unadulterated praise for the master.. just a feeling i get from the read: like we know trane the man and not just the legend.. the imperfections were refreshing.. we don't need or demand that trane be perfect.. he's just perfect as he is.. thanks ben, great read man :-)

The first part runs through the biography, and the latter part over Coltrane’s influence, legacy, the state of jazz, etc. Both are filled with prose I read and then rescanned. Enjoyable, informative - I recommend it highly

An important book that looks at Coltrane with love, with appreciation of the music, but also with a fair critique of all the noise that grew up around the legend. The bottom line: you will want to run back to your collection and listen to more Trane.

Overall this is not a bad read and I enjoyed it for the most part. That being said, the narrative is incredibly opinionated and somewhat boring at times.For some background, I am a music educator and I am currently working towards a masters in jazz studies and performance. On top of my studies I have turned to reading biographies and other books that paint the lives, experiences, and contributions of the founders and innovators of jazz. This book was a short and easy read that gave me a relatively good outline of Trane’s development and the people he is associated with and has influenced. That being said I feel as though there may be better resources that accomplish what this book set out to do and may also create a better narrative.

Analytical and enlightening. Well written.

Wonderful knowledgeable writing. The day I finished it I immediately started again at page one. A lot to enjoy, especially if you are a musician

This book is a very interesting read, analysing the path that led Coltrane to his particular and distinctive sound/tone but also how it influenced the hundreds if not thousands of sax player that keep trying to copy him. An enjoyable book for people who wish to look deeper into music and not stay on the surface.

Great product

A well researched, yet readable book, that covers the musical journey of John Coltrane throughout his life and then the influence his journey and musical evolution had on various musicians, both contemporary and those who followed.

too soon... but it's a diferent jazz book! has its own personality and while reading it i think it's an interesting book to know about Trane and others jazz musicians... i think i like it