John Coltrane
Expression (LP)
LabelImpulse!GenreJazz & Improvisation
Out of stock
Tracked express shipping from Italy, no customs or import VAT in the EU. Shipping costs
condition (record/cover): EX / EX
Gatefold sleeve with inside glued upside-down, with original innersleeve.
The final studio statement, recorded in early 1967 and - remarkably - approved by John Coltrane himself shortly before his death in July. The music turns inward: "To Be" features Trane on flute, an instrument he took up only at the very end, and the whole record breathes a strange, exploratory calm, as if the storms of 1965-66 had cleared into open sky. Alice Coltrane's piano ripples rather than hammers; Rashied Ali plays time like weather rather than clock. Music from the very edge of a life's work, chosen by the man who made it as his closing word. US Impulse! pressing, and essential by definition.
Release notes
This stereo variant has Van Gelder metal on side B only. Side A has matrix stamped and "LW" (Longwear Plating) hand etched. The B-side runout is hand etched except for "VAN GELDER" that is machine stamped. First catalog number on cover, second on inside gatefold and labels. Orange and black Impulse label, with the following print on three lines at bottom: A PRODUCT OF ABC RECORDS INC. NEW YORK, N.Y. 10019 MADE IN U.S.A. Issued in a thick laminated gatefold sleeve.
| A1 | Ogunde | 3:34 | |
| A2 | To Be | 16:18 | |
| B1 | Offering | 8:21 | |
| B2 | Expression | 10:46 |
- Jimmy Garrison
- Bass
- John Coltrane
- Composed By, Producer
- Robert Flynn
- Design [Cover]
- Joe Lebow
- Design [Liner]
- Rashied Ali
- Drums
- Rudy Van Gelder
- Engineer, Lacquer Cut By (B1, B2)
- Nat Hentoff
- Liner Notes
- Victor Kalin
- Painting [Cover]
- Bob Thiele
- Photography By, Producer
- Charles H. Stewart
- Photography By
- Jim Marshall
- Photography By
- Joe Alper
- Photography By
- Katsuji Abe
- Photography By
- Alice Coltrane
- Piano
