Lush Life

Amazon currently sells 3 or 4 different versions of this record on vinyl. This one is on the Wax Time record label. I own about 10 other records on Wax Time and all are excellent. This one is, too. the pressing is virtually flawless, flat, no pops/ticks, and no surface noise. The sound quality is excellent--clear, warm, and more alive sounding than the CD (I also own the CD). It's great for a normal-priced 33rpm record. If you can get this as a double-LP 45rpm record on Analogue Productions or Mobile Fidelity Sound, it would probably sound better, but it would probably cost around $50.I bought this from Amazon about 10 days ago when the price was $25. Today, the price is $15. That's a bummer for me, but even at the higher price I will definitely get more than my money's worth from this wonderful music and excellent pressing.I own this LP but not any of the other versions Amazon is selling. All are priced around $15 to $25. I had a long exchange with Amazon customer service to ask them about the differences, and did not learn anything. I asked them to have someone look into the differences between the various versions of Lush Life LPs and update the product page for each version with specific information about it so that others could decide. Amazon has not done so.I can't tell you which version sounds best, I can only tell you that THIS version - on Wax Time - sounds great and is well worth $25 (and a steal for $15).The music itself was recorded in 1957, except the title track which was recorded in January 1958. This is a time when Trane's first style was mature and lovely, harmonic with occasional "sheets of sound" barrages of notes that from a lesser player would sound like noise but sounds very musical from Trane. He was beginning to develop what would become his second, more modal style that we hear fully on the Impulse classic quartet records in the early to mid '60s.Lastly, this particular version of the Lush Life LP has a bonus track, "Slowtrane", which is maybe a different take of "Trane's Slow Blues". It is excellent and worth having, but not essential. Some of the other versions Amazon is selling do not have this bonus track.

The interesting thing about this Cd is the tracks where the mysterious (ABSENT) piano player is not. I suspect that(even though his name is not mentioned), it was probably Red Garland, who was fired for being late by Miles Davis. The Cd is examplary of Coltrane developing what was to be called by Cannonball Adderley :sheets of sound." I think it is one of Coltrane's early best, next to Soultrane. Lush Life is absolutely beautiful.

One of the best recordings of the great Jazz master. The purity and density of Coltrane's sound on the saxophone remain striking, as well as the original development of melodic lines. His unique technical skills and his natural lyricism are particularly suited for ballads, in particular the landmark tune 'Lush life'. A truly classical work.

Having spent a little time at the Village Vanguard many years ago, this nostalgic CD brings back memories of the giant in bebop jazz. This view of Coltrane at his best provides insight to his genius prior to moving into the avant-guard later in his career. This CD is highly recommended.

Another Great CD for our Jazz loving grandson purchased at a bargain price! Love Amazon for these old CDs/

Great quality.

I cannot add a jot to what has been written in celebration of this set.

Sounds great!

John Coltrane made a lot of very difficult to understand albums in his last 6 years or so with Impulse! Records.This is not one of them and is, in my view, one of his very best (a ballad offering) sitting beside "Milestones". "Kind of Blue", Giant Steps" and "A Love Supreme" as the five pinnacles of his recorded works.

Another Coltrane classic

I've had this on vinyl for 50 years and it's still as good today

Fantastic

great listening