Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #120420 in DVD
• Released on: 2002-10-29
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: Best of, Black & White, Color, DVD, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 61 minutes

From the Back Cover
The legendary master of the saxophone, John Coltrane (1926-1967), is profiled in this documentary highlighted by rare footage taken from various international television appearances. Candid interviews with Reggie Workman, Elvin Jones, and Jimmy Cobb unravel the mystery that surrounds Coltrane, a man of unique spirit and virtuosity, and one of the greatest musicians of our time. Performance highlights: "So What" (Miles Davis Quintet, 1959), "Every Time We Say Goodbye," "Impressions," "My Favorite Things" (with Eric Dolphy, McCoy Tyner, Reggie Workman, and Elvin Jones, 1961), "Afro Blue," "Impressions," and "Alabama" (with McCoy Tyner, Jimmy Garrison, and Elvin Jones, 1963).

Customer Reviews

wonderful stuff
"The Coltrane Legacy" is a 1985 video of some early 60's TV performances (apparently including his ralph gleason appearance, because you can see gleason grinning like a fool and leaning on tyner's piano at one point). the whole thing is quite remarkable. i don't know whether it's because the quartet was confined to a TV show format, but the performances were all more controlled, less meandering than 'normal'. more concentrated.

there are two tunes from "My Favorite Things" - the title song and "everytime we say goodbye" (his one cole porter cover) and amazing versions of "alabama" and "afro-blue", as well as a couple of honking versions of "impressions" and parts of an interview with elvin jones.

my only criticism is that, besides jones (who's funny in a "he was an angel" kinda way), the only other interviews are with two guys who played a total of two years with his early quartets - jimmy cobb and reggie workman. why no mccoy tyner, or at least miles davis? reminds me of "Straight no chaser", where most of the talking is done by monk's son.

anyway, a minor criticism. the music tells the story, and it's a great one.

It's a shame that there's nothing better!!!
It is very disappointing that there are very few filmed performances of the great jazz master, John Coltrane. I gave it 4 stars just for the fact that it offers more material on Coltrane than any other DVD. This DVD runs a short 61 minutes which includes grainy quality b/w television show performances which are cut with interviews of Coltrane's former band members between the songs. Elvin Jones' comments were the most informative and entertaining. Coltrane's legacy certainly deserves more respect and attention!

A brief hint from the master himself...
"This is a must see for all Cotrane fans"...
From Miles in the late 50's to becoming one of the jazz elite, John William Coltrane's music will always be on the fore front of any generation. This video leaves you wanting to see more of Trane at his very best. "So What", with Miles starts the ball to rolling, Trane is in his zone taking the tune to the outer limits. "Impressions", with Eric Dolphy is eye candy for the viewer, Trane and Dolphy trade licks that make the tune jump and dance all over the place. With some candid interviews for Reggie Workman, Jimmy Cobb, and Roy Haynes tug at your heart strings and make you feel that Trane was your best friend. All words were spoken with the highest respect to John, I only wish Miles would have been interviewd too. There is a voice over from Trane, telling how he had a dream that he would one day have his on band, and to hear the humility in his voice again makes you know that this man was more than just a sax player. The last three tunes Afro Blue, Alabama and Impressions are from the Jazz Casuals, and this segment gives you a more personal look at Trane as a true leader. McCoy Tyner Jimmy Garrison and Roy Haynes give all they have to Trane to make the music come full circle. I was blown away the first time I saw the video, I had heard of how Trane would play as if he was going to have a heart attack, I got a chance to see what other fans were talking about. Again this is a must see, I would give the video a million stars if I could.