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Giant Steps – John Coltrane

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description Giant Steps – John Coltrane Overview

John Coltrane's *Giant Steps*, released in 1960, is a landmark jazz album recognized for its exceptionally challenging musical structure. The recording features rapid chord changes and lengthy improvisations demanding significant technical skill from musicians. It’s notable for pushing the limits of hard-bop and modal jazz, and remains essential listening for serious students and experienced jazz performers seeking to understand advanced harmonic concepts and virtuosic improvisation.

help Giant Steps – John Coltrane FAQ

When was Giant Steps by John Coltrane actually recorded and released?

Giant Steps was recorded during sessions in April, May, and December of 1959 and released by Atlantic Records in early 1960. The catalog note of 1965 is incorrect; that year saw the release of Coltrane's spiritual masterpiece A Love Supreme on Impulse! Records.

What are the 'Coltrane changes' on Giant Steps?

The 'Coltrane changes' are a harmonic progression based on major-third interval relationships that cycle through three key centers a major third apart, such as B, G-flat, and D. These changes appear most famously on the title track 'Giant Steps' and the reharmonized standard 'Countdown.'

Who played on the Giant Steps recording sessions?

The album features two rhythm sections: pianist Tommy Flanagan, bassist Paul Chambers, and drummer Art Taylor on most tracks, with Wynton Kelly, Chambers, and Jimmy Cobb on selected tracks including 'Naima.' Coltrane played tenor saxophone throughout.

Why is the title track Giant Steps so difficult to improvise over?

The tune 'Giant Steps' cycles through Coltrane changes at a blistering tempo of approximately 268 beats per minute, demanding that improvisers navigate rapid key center shifts on every bar. Pianist Tommy Flanagan's audible struggle to keep up during his solo on the original recording has become a famous anecdote in jazz history.

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