John Coltrane - The Very Best of John Coltrane (2001)

This isn't the first CD that has had the title The Very Best of John Coltrane, and one can safely assume that it won't be the last. The focus of this 74-minute collection is Coltrane's Impulse output – specifically, modal post-bop that he recorded from 1961-1964.

The disc doesn't get into the blistering atonal free jazz he embraced from 1965-1967, which is just as well because even though much of that material is brilliant, it isn't for everyone – at least not novices and casual listeners who are exploring the saxophonist's work for the first time. And for those who need a dose of introductory Coltrane, this release generally favors the more essential recordings that he provided for Impulse. That includes "Acknowledgement," "Bessie's Blues," and "Crescent," as well as legendary encounters with Duke Ellington ("In a Sentimental Mood") and singer Johnny Hartman ("Lush Life"). –Alex Henderson

Tracklist:

01. A Love Supreme: Part 1 - Acknowledgement 07:47
02. In a Sentimental Mood 04:16
03. Bessie's Blues 03:34
04. Naima 07:07
05. Afro Blue 10:48
06. Lush Life 05:29
07. Crescent 08:44
08. Impressions 04:35
09. Alabama 05:10
10. My Favorite Things 17:20