John Coltrane - Giant Steps (1968 US Atlantic Vinyl LP Stereo Reissue)

Vinyl: VG+ (one noticable scuff on side 1 but plays fine)
Sleeve: EX (still in original shrink wrap)

Our grading system explained here.
Photo is of the actual item.

John Coltrane - Giant Steps Vinyl LP - 1968 US Atlantic Stereo Reissue

One of the most important albums in jazz history, Giant Steps represents John Coltrane's first recording as a leader after leaving Miles Davis' group and his definitive statement on harmonic complexity and technical virtuosity. Recorded in 1959 and released in 1960, this album introduced Coltrane's revolutionary approach to chord changes and harmonic movement that would forever alter jazz improvisation. This 1968 US Atlantic pressing, identifiable by its red and green labels with the 1841 Broadway address and gold embossed "Stereo" on the cover, captures this landmark recording with excellent sonic quality, mastered at Longwear Plating and pressed by Presswell.

The title track "Giant Steps" is one of the most famous and demanding compositions in jazz. Coltrane's chord progression moves through major thirds in a constantly modulating pattern that creates immense challenges for improvisers. His own solo navigates these "Coltrane changes" with breathtaking speed and precision, establishing a technical and harmonic benchmark that saxophonists still measure themselves against decades later. Tommy Flanagan's piano solo on this track famously struggles with the changes, a testament to how revolutionary and difficult Coltrane's concept was even for one of the era's finest pianists.

"Cousin Mary" provides a more straightforward blues-based respite, though even here Coltrane's harmonic sophistication elevates the material. "Countdown" takes the chord progression of Miles Davis' "Tune Up" and completely reimagines it with Coltrane's harmonic substitutions, demonstrating how his approach could transform existing material. "Spiral" and "Syeeda's Song Flute" (named for his daughter) showcase different facets of his compositional thinking.

The album's ballad centrepiece, "Naima", named for Coltrane's first wife, stands as one of the most beautiful compositions in jazz. With Wynton Kelly replacing Flanagan on piano and Jimmy Cobb on drums for this track, Coltrane's tender, searching melody and his reverential approach to the composition reveal the spiritual dimension that would increasingly define his work. "Mr. P.C.", dedicated to bassist Paul Chambers, closes the album with an uptempo blues that allows all the musicians to stretch out.

The rhythm section work throughout is exemplary. Paul Chambers' bass playing provides both harmonic foundation and melodic counterpoint, his tone warm and his time impeccable. Art Taylor's drumming on most tracks is crisp and supportive, while Jimmy Cobb's sensitive accompaniment on "Naima" perfectly suits that composition's contemplative mood. Tommy Flanagan, despite being challenged by "Giant Steps", demonstrates his usual elegance and harmonic sophistication throughout, while Wynton Kelly brings his characteristic bluesy touch to "Naima".

This 1968 pressing represents Atlantic's continued recognition of the album's importance eight years after its initial release. Mastered at Longwear Plating, the same facility that mastered many Atlantic jazz classics, and pressed by Presswell, this edition maintains the sonic clarity essential to appreciating Coltrane's rapid, complex lines and the quartet's interplay.