Saxophone Icon

NPR profiles John Coltrane:

Toward the end of the 1950s, Coltrane again teamed with Davis, contributing to classic albums like Milestones and Kind of Blue, the best-selling jazz album in history. Davis was investigating modal jazz when Coltrane rejoined the group. While the trumpeter was exploring a more minimalist approach to music, Coltrane seemed locked into playing as many notes as possible. Coltrane’s long, feverish solos became the pillars of his legacy; jazz critic Ira Gitler coined the phrase “sheets of sound” to describe Coltrane’s playing during this period.

Check out the program here.