Recorded in 1967 with drummer Rashied Ali, John Coltrane’s posthumously released Interstellar Space was a template for the sax and drum duo. It is a beautiful and, at times, challenging recording and has been described around the blogosphere as:
“Noisy, abrasive, violent. But it’s the tight playing and the remnants of melody that give Coltrane’s only duo recording its unique character.” (sputnikmusic.com)
“As one of Coltrane’s final recordings this duet session with Ali is one of his most essential and unique. Not only is it the grandfather of all extended saxophone/drums duets in jazz, but it also set the standard for all that came after.” (All About Jazz)
And it is an obvious comparison for the long term duo of saxophonist Paul Dunmall and percussionist Tony Bianco’s Thank You to John Coltrane, which is a stunningly good tribute to the saxophonist, covering a five of his compositions, with just the title song credited to Dunmall.
Available from the label.