John Coltrane

Blue Train

First released1958

Blue Train was recorded on September 15, 1957, at Van Gelder Studio in Hackensack, New Jersey, with engineer Rudy Van Gelder overseeing the technical aspects of the session. The album was produced by Alfred Lion and Francis Wolff for Blue Note Records, who were instrumental in organizing the date and releasing the material. Coltrane led a quintet featuring Lee Morgan on trumpet, Curtis Fuller on trombone, Kenny Drew on piano, Paul Chambers on bass, and Philly Joe Jones on drums. The session was notably productive, with multiple takes recorded that would comprise the album's core material. The recording represents an important moment in Coltrane's career, documenting his development as a composer and bandleader during a pivotal period in hard bop.