This fine album marked the beginning of John Coltrane's recording career as a headliner. This was his first date under his name and it was originally recorded on May 31,1957 and issued on Prestige Records and called "Coltrane!" This marked a real beginning for 30 year old Coltrane and he picked a great band to perform here with the obscure but fine trumpeter named Johnnie Splawn and the heavy baritone saxophone sound of Sahib Shihab to work hand and glove with the Coltrane tenor saxophone. Two pianists share the chores, Mal Waldron on the first three tunes and Red Garland on the latter three. Two new Coltrane compositions grace the date plus one from Philadelphian, Calvin Massey Three well chosen but more obscure standards make up the rest of the tunes in an album that is clear on its concept and well rehearsed. A fitting debut and the beginning of an outstanding recording career. "Coltrane" indeed!

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