[sp4cetiger]

It looks like this round is a done deal, but for those who need to prepare for later votes, here's a quick summary of Coltrane's solo career.

Before going solo, Coltrane was part of Miles Davis' "first great quintet," which recorded Kind of Blue, among other classics. During this period, Coltrane was frequently experimenting with a rapid-fire technique of soloing that critics referred to as "sheets of sound." In his solos, the notes were played so quickly that they would blend together, creating an effect that sounded like a mix between a chord and a traditional solo. Probably the two best demonstrations of this technique are

Blue Train by John Coltrane

and

Giant Steps by John Coltrane

Part of Coltrane's motivation behind the "sheets of sound" technique was to free himself of the restrictions of traditional bebop. However, by the early '60s, a much more promising innovation, known as free jazz, was being developed. Coltrane's early experiments with free jazz are demonstrated most impressively here

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Live At The Village Vanguard by John Coltrane

Then, what is sometimes considered his crowning achievement,

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A Love Supreme by John Coltrane

This masterpiece incorporates ideas from free jazz, modal jazz, and traditional bebop, creating a tour de force of sound and spirituality.

One last thing that might be worth checking out if you're feeling bold,

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Ascension by John Coltrane

This is Coltrane at his free jazziest. Using eleven musicians, he created music that managed to work, despite being almost completely free of structure. This album is often credited with popularizing free jazz in the mainstream.

He has plenty more great albums, so go ahead and explore his catalog further if you're into it.

[Guest]

John Coltrane wins, 21 - 0.