Great Jazz Albums (IMO) #13

John Coltrane, Tadd Dameron with John Coltrane (1956).  I figured you don't need me to tell you that John Coltrane was one of the greatest and most influential jazz musicians, period.  You also probably don't need me to tell you about his truly incredible albums from the late 1950 to mid-1960s, particularly Blue Train (1957), Giant Steps (1960), My Favorite Things (1961), Ballads (1963), John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman (1963) and Love Supreme (1965).  So, here's one you may not know.  Coltrane recorded Mating Call with pianist Tadd Dameron, who was considered "the most influential arranger of the Bebop era" and was also a brilliant composer.  This session of six Dameron elegant compositions was recorded at the time Coltrane had been playing with in the wonderful Miles Davis Quintet and just before truly launching his solo career with the albums noted above.  It includes the great Philly Joe Jones on drums and John Simmons on bass.  Coltrane is given plenty of space, and he takes full advantage of it.  This album is an overlooked gem.

[Related posts:  Really Great Jazz Albums,  #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, #12]