CiTR

This album was aptly titled as 1965 was a year of transition for Mr. Coltrane. His musical vision was expanding and changing and even though some of the changes alienated his audience, they had to be made and Coltrane was compelled to follow his musical vision. Freer rhythmic feels and a more open tonality and an ever expanding range of ideas on his horn were very evident. The great milestone recording "A Love Supreme" was behind him and thoughts of expanding the instrumentation of the quartet were taking place. This recording finds him still with the 'classic" quartet with McCoy Tyner, Jimmy Garrison and Elvin Jones but new ideas are prevailing. The set opens with the lyrical and spiritual "Dear Lord" with Roy Haynes replacing Jones on this track. Next is a five-part Suite with Jones back on drums that reflects change. The crux of this set is the title track "Transition" which is one of the most intense pieces that this band ever played in the studio. With the playing of Transition we are aware that a change is about to come as this mighty piece seems to break through barriers and into a whole new musical realm. Transition is indeed an important milestone even though is was issued after Coltrane's passing in July 1967.