After the Rain

John Coltrane (tenor sax), McCoy Tyner (piano), Jimmy Garrison (bass) and Roy Haynes (drums). From the album Impressions (1963).

The Impressions album is a mix of performances from 1961 to 1963. “India” and “Impressions” were recorded live at the Village Vanguard, while “Up ‘Gainst the Wall” and “After the Rain” were recorded in Van Gelder’s recording studios. The later two were joined by the usual Coltrane quartet, but Eric Dolphy and Reggie Workman joined the Village Vanguard. It is worth mentioning  Dolphy’s long solo with his bass clarinet on the theme “India”. The music reveals Coltrane’s exploration of modal jazz, Indian music and blues. Jazz critic Harvey Pekar wrote: “Not all the music on this album is excellent, but some is more than excellent.” In 1965, the Byrds rock band were inspired by the music of Ravi Shankar and John Coltrane to record their single “Eight Miles High”. 

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Tyner begins with a somewhat mysterious melody, but Coltrane comes in with a slow and sweet song, and Tyner answers him in the same way. Coltrane continues with the song while Garrison and Jones support him. Then, Coltrane gets a little more serious, but without losing his stillness. Next, McCoyner makes his own interpretation of the theme and Coltrane ends by reiterating his good mood.

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