Style:

Introduced as a slow swing, it is also commonly approached at an up tempo.

Form:

A-A-B-C (32 Bars) [8-8-8-8]

Arrangements:

The head is sometimes played rubato. The solos are typically either approached as a modal vamp revolving around C minor, or with the 32 bar form instead.

Key:

C minor

Harmony/Overview:

The harmony of this composition is very conventional and remains almost entirely diatonic throughout. The A sections are essentially modal revolving around Cmi, although it is common for the accompaniment to  move diatonically through Cmi7 - Dmi7 - EbMaj7 - Dmi7 repeatedly. The B  section resolves momentarily to the relative Major before making its way  back to the relative minor once again with a bVI7 - V7 turnaround.  Despite the simplicity of the form both John Coltrane and McCoy Tyner  can be heard stretching out extensively over the changes, and it provides a wide open canvas to the improvisor for exploring many  different possibilities.

Recordings:

This song has been recorded over 35 times to date. It was first recorded by John Coltrane in 1963 and was introduced on the album Afro Blue Impressions. Coltrane would also recorded a legendary rendition of the  tune on his seminal album Crescent the following year. It has since become one of his most cherished compositions from the 'Classic Quartet' period of his career and it continues to be performed frequently to  this day.

JGC Top Picks:

Joe Lovano, Quartets: Live at the Village Vanguard, 1995

Kenny Garrett, Pursuance: The Music of John Coltrane, 1996

Jochen Rueckert, Introduction, 1998