Back catalogue: All genres

Review: Here it is: the all-time great album that popularised jazz for the masses, and which carries the genre's torch to this day. Most works by Coltrane serve as good introductions to jazz’s endemic practice of through-composition, but A Love Supreme (1964, Impulse!) is arguably among his best works to come in four suites; to quarter a technically singular piece. Widely recognised as the moment at which John all-aboarded the Soul ‘Trane, the album marked the apogee of a wave of popular analyses of US jazz records as holding special spiritual significance. This early vaunting may have fed into its popularity into the present day; but we cannot gloss over the fact that such elevations in status do not tend to come without supreme merit, and more level-headed takes on the LP simply interpret it as one of the most impeccably performed, precisely timed jazz records of its day. Remastered for the esteemed Analogue Productions series, its everlasting flame is rekindled.

Review: Famously, John Coltrane recorded the music on Coltrane Plays The Blues during the sessions for the more celebrated and ground-breaking My Favourite Things, with his former label Atlantic - who had paid for the sessions - initially releasing the album against his wishes. In many ways it's great they did, because it remains one of jazz's truly great sets - albeit one that at the time was overshadowed by the saxophonist's other work of the 1960s. It's breezy, emotive, occasionally smoky and - as you'd expect from the title - effortlessly bluesy, with Coltrane improvising superb sax solos atop a bed of bass (played by Steve Davis), drums (Elvin Jones) and piano (McCoy Tyner). This reissue is a "hybrid CD", containing both regular and 'super audio' versions. For those with access to the latter technology, the album has never sounded better.

Review: Basie Jam is a stellar showcase of Count Basie's enduring prowess in jazz. This 1975 release by Pablo Records, produced by Norman Granz, features an impressive lineup including J.J. Johnson on trombone, Zoot Sims on tenor sax, and Ray Brown on bass. The album exudes a vibrant swing style, with meticulous sound reproduction that places it among the finest recordings of its era. The mix captures a lifelike presence, with instruments positioned distinctly on the soundstage. The gentle taps of Louie Bellson's cymbals, Irving Ashby's warm guitar tones, and the palpable breath in brass instruments add a marvelous sense of realism. Now, reissued for future generations to enjoy and discover once again. This legendary performer is perfectly captured by this recording.