The John Coltrane Quartet Ballads (Verve Acoustic Sounds Series) 180g LP (Vinyl)

TAS Super LP List! Special Merit: Informal

Michael Fremer Rated 11/11 Music, 10/11 Sonics!

A special Coltrane masterpiece recorded in December 1961. When asked why such an undertaking, Coltrane replied, "variety." The recording captures the famed John Coltrane Quartet in a performance of timeless ballads.

Seeking to offer definitive audiophile grade versions of some of the most historic and best jazz records ever recorded, Verve Label Group and Universal Music Enterprises' new audiophile Acoustic Sounds vinyl reissue series utilizes the skills of top mastering engineers and the unsurpassed production craft of Quality Record Pressings. All titles are mastered from the original analog tapes, pressed on 180-gram vinyl and packaged by Stoughton Printing Co. in high-quality gatefold sleeves with tip-on jackets.

"We are excited to launch our Acoustic Sounds series," said Bruce Resnikoff, President & CEO of UMe. "Verve and UMe have one of the richest jazz catalogs ever recorded and our goal is to give vinyl and music lovers the best possible versions of classic albums. The Acoustic Sounds series is designed to appeal to today's most discriminating fans, and those discovering this treasured legacy for the first time, looking for the very finest in both artistic content and audio quality."

This is an album that will never go out of style and never be unwelcome on any jazz lover's turntable. ... Ryan's cut has his characteristic clarity and transparency all set against QRP's usual jet black backgrounds. Ryan's new cut is a 100% top to bottom success and is easy to recommend.