There’s a reason why John Coltrane’s 1960 album My Favorite Things is considered a classic. It’s a masterpiece of jazz composition and improvisation, and its influence on the genre is still felt today. The album features Coltrane’s classic quartet, with McCoy Tyner on piano, Elvin Jones on drums, and Steve Davis on bass.
The title track, a reworking of the Rodgers & Hammerstein classic, is an extended exploration of the harmonic possibilities of the tune. Coltrane’s solo is a masterclass in melodic development and lyricism, while Tyner and Jones provide a swinging, supportive backdrop. The rest of the album features more of Coltrane’s original compositions, showcasing the group’s breathtaking interplay. On “Everytime We Say Goodbye,” Jones and Davis lock in a mesmerizing groove over which Tyner and Coltrane take their solos. Coltrane’s “But Not for Me” is a bluesy excursion, and his unaccompanied saxophone showcase “Greensleeves” is a tour de force of technique and emotion.
‘My Favorite Things’ is just as it says on the tin – an essential album for any jazz fan.