If the original 'Africa/Brass' album was a seismic shift in John Coltrane’s creative journey, 'The Africa Brass Sessions, Vol. 2' is the rare, essential map of its uncharted territory. Here, Coltrane steers a powerful ensemble through swirling, untamed arrangements that blend African-rooted rhythms with modern jazz’s improvisational boldness. These alternate takes and unreleased cuts—rescued from the legendary 1961 sessions—reveal a band at the edge of discovery, with Coltrane’s searching tenor at the core and a brass section that sounds both ancient and futuristic.
The music pulses with urgency and exploration, with Eric Dolphy’s orchestrations and the deep grooves of Elvin Jones and Reggie Workman propelling each piece into fresh territory. The result is not only a moment in Coltrane’s evolution, but a touchstone for the spiritual and avant-garde jazz movements that would soon blossom. 'The Africa Brass Sessions, Vol. 2' is more than a historical curiosity—it’s a living document of artistic risk and communal creativity, ideal for listeners who crave jazz that is as fearless as it is soulful. For vinyl collectors and jazz devotees, this is a cornerstone worth returning to, time and again.
Track List:
A1 - Song Of The Underground Railroad - 6:37
A2 - Greensleeves - 10:49
B1 - Africa - 16:01