Review Summary: "Sometimes you have to take a thing when it comes and be glad."
John Coltrane's lost-and-found studio sessions continue to emerge and much like the rest of his already incredible, in both size and quality, body of work, Blue World does not disappoint. It's been over 50 years since his passing, this session took place in June of 1964 with himself and his classic quartet - McCoy Tyner on the piano, Elvin Jones on the drums and Jimmy Garrison playing the bass . All in between recordings for their albums Crescent and A Love Supreme.
The title track, Blue World, is an alternative version of Out of this world (originally by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer) which had already been played, though differently, in 1962's Coltrane. However, this time around, feels more loose and intense than the previous version, which might lead some to prefer this slightly improvised outing if that is what you are looking for.
Two versions of Naima and three of Village Blues coexist in this album, all being complete and different performances that may only be here so that it can be considered a full length album but considering the global appreciation for these types of studio sessions I don't think anyone is complaining. The tempo changes do make these tracks feel different from the originals, shifting it's original meanings in a way that it feels like the group just looking back and celebrating past material.
Overall, everything is played beautifully and there seems to be a sense of fun and enjoyment, with every track being played terrifically. Specially since the bass seems to be turned up as well as Coltrane's solos feeling rather lively yet never losing clear vision and control. The production is clean and does little to overstep what was done originally by Rudy Van Gelder, meaning this is a great addition to the catalogue of arguably the best jazz band in the post-bebop era.
